David Muir, the anchor of ABC’s *World News Tonight*, recently reflected on his career and personal life in an interview. Recognized on *Time* magazine’s prestigious list of influential figures in May 2025, Muir shared insights about his journey in journalism and the places where he feels most at ease.
Throughout his more than ten years at the helm of America’s most-watched evening newscast, Muir remains fueled by the same passion that inspired him as a child. He recalls being only twelve years old, captivated by the nightly news while his peers played outside. “I remember being outside, playing with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood and being the only kid who would go inside when the local news came on,” he said. His childhood fascination with journalists like *Peter Jennings* propelled him into a determined pursuit of a career in media.
Muir’s career began with hands-on experience in various local news stations. After graduating from *Ithaca College*, he worked in Syracuse and Boston before joining ABC News in 2003. He took over as anchor of *World News Tonight* in September 2014, succeeding *Diane Sawyer*. Muir expressed admiration for Sawyer, who penned his tribute for the *Time 100* list, stating, “I still remember the first morning I reported to that studio in Times Square, sitting next to Diane Sawyer. I couldn’t believe she was sitting in the chair next to me.”
Finding Comfort in Nature
Despite his professional accolades, including reporting on significant global events and generating approximately $9 million in donations for humanitarian causes, Muir finds his most authentic self away from the studio. Speaking from his home in upstate New York after Memorial Day weekend, he described his joy in being outdoors, even in challenging weather conditions.
“I’d say my most comfortable element is being outside, covered in mud like this weekend,” Muir shared. “It was pouring rain, and I loved every second of it.” He recounted spending his time on the dock with his dog, waiting to catch a glimpse of a beaver. “When you’re out there on the lake, smelling the same air that you smelled when you were on your BMX bike back when you were a kid, there’s something really fueling about that,” he explained. “You just feel like you’re home again. I couldn’t have been happier.”
Muir’s dedication to his craft is evident, but it is his connection to nature and his roots that he values the most. His reflections reveal a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life that transcend professional success. As he continues to navigate the high-paced world of journalism, Muir remains grounded by the experiences that shaped him, both as a journalist and as an individual.
Through this balance of personal authenticity and professional commitment, David Muir exemplifies the essence of a modern journalist—dedicated to both the truth and the beauty of everyday life.
