ABC News Insider: We Didn’t Try to ‘Poach’ NBC News’ Jenna Bush Hager for ‘The View’ (Exclusive)
An ABC News insider disputed reports that the network tried to poach Jenna Bush Hager from NBC’s “Today” Show in an attempt to fight off NBC’s morning show, which has been making gains on “Good Morning America.”
Bush’s representatives came to ABC News floating the idea of her co-hosting “The View,” the insider told TheWrap, but the network wasn’t interested.
And if ABC News was trying to beef up its political lineup ahead of 2016, as the New York Post reported, it would seek out more seasoned political names over Bush, who is a lifestyles reporter, the insider said.
Also Read: 'Good Morning America' Halts NBC's 'Today' Ratings Momentum
The Post reported ABC reached out to the daughter of former president George W. Bush: “CAA had conversations with her about it, but I don’t see how it happens,” the paper reported from a source.
It also reported ABC News President James Goldston is also in high alert mode over “Today” inching closer to “Good Morning America” in the 25-54 demo, which is often times the precursor to a sea change in total viewers.
Also Read: 'Today' Posts Biggest Demo Victory Over 'Good Morning America' In Over a Year
ABC is in “Defcon 1” mode over the ratings challenge, the Post said, with Goldston in the control room at 4 a.m. “trying to save it.”
It’s highly unlikely the president of a news network being in a control room signifies a ratings meltdown: it’s the norm for executives to be in control rooms for signature shows like a “Good Morning America” or “Today.”
