ABC News Concerned With Gains Being Made By NBC Tom Llamas

An industry source claims ABC News is rattled by Tom Llamas’ strong debut as NBC Nightly News host, where the 46-year-old has gained traction among younger viewers, narrowing the gap with ABC’s David Muir, 51, in the coveted 25-54 and 18-49 demographics to its closest in five years. 

Llamas, who replaced Lester Holt last month, has driven three consecutive weeks of total viewer growth, raising concerns at ABC about Muir’s once-clear successor showing early promise in ratings, the insider said.

Tensions at ABC are reportedly heightened by recent upheavals, including Terry Moran’s firing after 27 years for an X post calling Donald Trump and Stephen Miller “world class haters,” and the planned cancellation of GMA3 due to low viewership. 

Muir, known for his privacy, gave a rare People interview just before Llamas’ debut, the source noted.

Despite Llamas’ gains, Muir’s World News Tonight maintains a commanding lead, averaging 7.308 million total viewers in June compared to NBC’s 5.751 million, marking ABC’s largest second-quarter advantage over NBC in 30 years. 

In the 25-54 demo, Muir drew 1.01 million viewers to Llamas’ 840,000, though NBC hit a five-week high in that group.

A senior industry source dismissed claims of ABC’s concern, telling Daily Mail that World News Tonight’s nearly 2-million-viewer lead over NBC remains robust, with ABC focused on news delivery while NBC navigates its transition from Holt. Llamas has avoided a sharp ratings drop, unlike CBS News, which has struggled since Norah O’Donnell’s exit in January.