Full Breakdown
ABC News Appoints Jon Schlosberg as Executive Producer of "This Week"
4/10/2026, 10:09:33 PM
Leadership Transition at ABC News
ABC News has announced the appointment of Jon Schlosberg as the new executive producer for its flagship Sunday political program, "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." Schlosberg, who has been with ABC News since 2018, will officially take on the role starting May 6, 2026. He previously served as the senior producer for "Prime with Linsey Davis," ABC News Live's primary streaming newscast. Schlosberg's extensive experience includes coverage of significant events such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Rick Klein, the Washington bureau chief for ABC News, praised Schlosberg's capabilities, stating, “Jon is a tenacious journalist and exceptional leader who has been instrumental across the ABC News Group for more than a decade.” Schlosberg will collaborate with anchor George Stephanopoulos and co-anchors Martha Raddatz and Jonathan Karl in his new position.
Background and Context
Schlosberg's promotion comes amid a challenging period for "This Week," which has faced legal scrutiny, particularly related to a high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by Stephanopoulos during a March 2024 interview, where he referred to Trump as having been “found liable for rape.” This characterization led to a legal dispute, which a federal judge allowed to proceed, ultimately resulting in a settlement that required ABC News to contribute $15 million to charity, pay $1 million in legal fees, and publish an editor's note expressing regret over the statements made.
Criticism and Opposition
The legal challenges surrounding "This Week" have drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly concerning the editorial decisions made by Stephanopoulos and his team. Critics argue that the program's handling of sensitive topics, such as allegations against Trump, reflects a broader issue of journalistic integrity and responsibility in political reporting. The lawsuit highlighted concerns over the accuracy of statements made on air and the potential repercussions for the network and its parent company, the Walt Disney Company.
Official Statements and Responses
In light of Schlosberg's appointment, Klein emphasized the need for strong leadership in navigating the complexities of modern political journalism. He noted Schlosberg's "sharp political instincts" and his ability to adapt to both linear and streaming television formats as essential qualities for leading "This Week" into its next chapter.
What's Next
As Schlosberg steps into his new role, he will be tasked with steering "This Week" through ongoing challenges, including maintaining journalistic standards while addressing the heightened scrutiny from legal disputes and public criticism. The program's future direction will likely focus on balancing robust political coverage with responsible reporting practices.