David Muir named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 — Diane Sawyer praises his courage, compassion, and groundbreaking global reporting.

It’s official — David Muir, the trusted anchor of ABC World News Tonight, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, cementing his place not only as one of the most respected journalists in America but also as one of the most admired figures in global media.

The announcement, made earlier today, celebrates Muir for his unwavering commitment to truth, compassion, and humanity — qualities that have defined his career for more than two decades. In a moving tribute published by TIME, legendary journalist Diane Sawyer hailed Muir as “calm, courageous, and inspiring,” describing him as “the rare anchor who listens to the world with both intellect and heart.”

A Voice of Trust in an Uncertain World

For over a decade, David Muir has been the face of ABC World News Tonight, a program that has dominated U.S. television ratings and become a nightly ritual for millions of Americans seeking reliable, empathetic reporting.

Whether covering global conflicts, natural disasters, or stories of everyday heroism, Muir has built his reputation on being where the story is — from the frontlines of Ukraine to the rubble of Afghanistan, from flooded villages in Madagascar to famine-stricken communities in South Sudan.

TIME’s editors praised him for his “steadfast commitment to bearing witness” — a phrase that captures Muir’s belief that journalism must do more than inform; it must connect.

“In an era of polarization and noise,” TIME wrote, “David Muir’s voice remains steady — guiding viewers through chaos with honesty, empathy, and grace.”

Diane Sawyer’s Tribute: ‘He Brings Light Where There’s Darkness’

Few people know the demands of broadcast journalism like Diane Sawyer, the iconic journalist who once sat in the same anchor chair at ABC. In her glowing tribute for TIME, Sawyer reflected on Muir’s evolution from a passionate young reporter to a global storyteller.

“David has walked into war zones and refugee camps, through wildfires and hurricanes, always with quiet courage,” Sawyer wrote. “He doesn’t just cover tragedy — he brings humanity into it. He reminds us that there is light, even in the darkest corners.”

She went on to highlight his humility and compassion behind the camera:

“He listens. He comforts. He doesn’t just report on people’s pain — he honors it.”

Reporting From the Frontlines

From Kyiv to Kabul, Muir’s journalism has always carried a rare intimacy. During the height of the Ukraine war, his reports from underground shelters and devastated towns earned widespread praise for showing the human toll of the conflict, not just the headlines.

He has also been at the forefront of climate crisis coverage, traveling to nations on the brink of environmental collapse. His report from Madagascar, where droughts have driven families to eat insects and cactus leaves to survive, was among the first major network segments to describe famine as a direct result of climate change.

In South Sudan, he sat with families displaced by floods, telling stories that most global outlets had overlooked.

“David makes people care,” said an ABC field producer. “He doesn’t just talk about statistics. He introduces you to the people living them.”

From Syracuse to the World Stage

Born in Syracuse, New York, David Muir’s path to journalism began with a childhood dream. He built a makeshift newsroom in his living room, watching anchors like Peter Jennings and Diane Sawyer — both of whom would later become his mentors.

After joining ABC News in 2003, Muir quickly earned a reputation for fearless field reporting. From Hurricane Katrina to the Haiti earthquake, from mass shootings to humanitarian crises, he was often among the first journalists on the ground.

When he succeeded Diane Sawyer as anchor in 2014, few could have predicted how profoundly he would shape the program — or how deeply he would connect with audiences.

Today, World News Tonight with David Muir is consistently the most-watched evening newscast in the United States, a testament to both his credibility and his empathy.

A Humanitarian Spirit Beyond the Headlines

Beyond his journalistic work, Muir has also become a leading voice for humanitarian causes. He’s quietly supported disaster relief efforts, refugee education programs, and children’s hospitals across the U.S. and abroad.

Colleagues say that off-camera, Muir is as humble as he appears on-screen. He often writes handwritten thank-you notes to his producers, camera crews, and field journalists.

“David is the same person you see on TV — kind, curious, and genuine,” said one ABC staff member. “He’s never forgotten that journalism is a service, not a spotlight.”

Global Recognition, Personal Humility

In his brief statement reacting to the TIME honor, Muir remained characteristically modest.

“This recognition isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about the people whose stories we tell every night — the families rebuilding after storms, the refugees searching for safety, the doctors, the teachers, the kids who never give up. They’re the ones who influence me.”

He went on to thank his team at ABC News, calling them “the heartbeat of every story.”

“Journalism, at its best,” he added, “is an act of empathy.”

The Impact of David Muir’s Journalism

Muir’s influence extends far beyond American television. His interviews with world leaders — including presidents, prime ministers, and popes — are known for their balance of respect and rigor.

But perhaps his most powerful moments have come not from global leaders, but from everyday people: the firefighter who lost everything in Maui’s wildfires, the young nurse on the frontlines of COVID-19, the war refugee who still dreams of home.

In each story, Muir brings the same sincerity and calm that have made him one of the most trusted names in journalism today.

“He doesn’t chase fame,” one ABC producer said. “He chases truth — and he treats every person he interviews like they matter. Because to him, they do.”

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

With this latest honor, David Muir joins a distinguished group of global icons on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list — a recognition not only of his journalistic achievements but also of his enduring moral clarity in an era when trust in media has never been more fragile.

As Diane Sawyer beautifully concluded in her tribute:

“David Muir doesn’t just report the news — he restores faith in it.”

For millions of viewers around the world, that faith is precisely what keeps them tuning in, night after night — trusting that when David Muir says “I’ll see you right back here tomorrow,” it’s more than a sign-off.

It’s a promise.