David Muir Stuns Viewers With Rare Behind-the-Scenes Revelation on ABC’s “World News Tonight”

ABC News anchor David Muir is back in the spotlight after TIME magazine named him to its prestigious TIME100 list for 2025, an honor recognizing the world’s most influential people. The accolade arrives as online curiosity about Muir soars, fueled both by praise for his frontline reporting and by viral—but false—claims that he plans to walk away from “World News Tonight.” Celebrated for global reporting and record ratings TIME editors highlighted Muir’s on-the-ground coverage from conflict zones and climate-fueled disasters, noting that his stories from Ukraine, Israel, Madagascar and South Sudan have not only informed viewers but helped raise millions of dollars for humanitarian relief. Under his stewardship, “World News Tonight” has led U.S. evening newscasts for six straight years, drawing more than eight million nightly viewers—numbers that advertisers and network executives covet. Debunking the “leaving ABC” rumor While many fans were congratulating Muir on the TIME100 distinction, social media posts and click-bait headlines simultaneously claimed he had made a “jaw-dropping announcement” to depart ABC News. Snopes quickly investigated and confirmed the story is false; in a recent TV appearance Muir said he’s “not going anywhere,” and ABC News reiterated that he remains anchor and managing editor of its flagship broadcast. Media analysts point out that misinformation about high-profile journalists often spikes alongside legitimate news, a pattern that can distort public perception and artificially boost page views for rumor sites. Why search interest is peaking now Multiple factors are driving the current surge in web searches: • TIME100 announcement and red-carpet gala photos • Clips of Muir’s exclusive interviews with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Francis resurfacing on YouTube • Speculation about his personal life and real-estate holdings in upstate New York • Recurring internet hoaxes suggesting his exit from ABC What’s next for the veteran anchor Network insiders say Muir will expand his international reporting this summer with a series on election security threats across Europe, complementing his ongoing role co-anchoring “20/20.” He is also slated to moderate a live town-hall on U.S. climate resilience in September, reinforcing ABC’s commitment to field reporting rather than studio commentary. Key takeaways for viewers • David Muir remains anchor of “World News Tonight” and has no announced plans to leave ABC. • His inclusion in TIME’s 2025 list underscores decades of impactful journalism and audience trust. • Viral departure rumors have been debunked; rely on verified outlets rather than sensational social posts. With accolades piling up and ratings holding strong, all signs indicate that David Muir will continue to be one of the most visible—and searched—faces in American news for the foreseeable future.