A significant ratings decline hits ABC News in the wake of a contentious presidential debate.

According to PJ Media, ABC News' "World News Tonight" with David Muir experienced a notable drop in viewership following the September 10 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

The program's ratings fell by 12% in the three days following the event, a decline that some attribute to the perceived bias in the debate moderation.

The debate, co-moderated by Muir and Linsey Davis, has drawn criticism for its handling of fact-checking and interruptions. While Trump faced multiple fact-checks during the event, Harris was not subjected to similar scrutiny, leading to accusations of unfair treatment.

Debate Moderation Sparks Controversy

The moderation approach taken by Muir and Davis during the debate has become a point of contention. Critics argue that the moderators' fact-checking efforts were disproportionately aimed at Trump, with at least five fact-checks directed at him, all of which have been disputed for accuracy.

In contrast, Harris was not interrupted or fact-checked during her responses, despite claims that she made several unverified statements. This disparity in treatment has led some viewers to question the impartiality of the moderators and the overall fairness of the debate.

Davis later explained to the L.A. Times that the decision to actively fact-check candidates was a response to concerns raised after a previous CNN debate between Trump and then-President Biden. However, this justification has done little to quell criticism of the moderation tactics.

Impact On Viewership And Poll Numbers

The aftermath of the debate has seen significant shifts in both television ratings and polling numbers. ABC's "World News Tonight" experienced a drop from its usual 7.6 million viewers to an average of 6.7 million in the three days following the debate.

Conversely, Harris appears to have benefited from the debate performance. A Morning Consult poll released on Tuesday showed a six-point increase in support for Harris among likely voters in the week following the debate.

This contrast between the decline in ABC's ratings and the boost in Harris's poll numbers has fueled further discussion about the debate's impact and the role of media in shaping public opinion during election seasons.

Media Bias Allegations And Coverage Trends

The debate has reignited conversations about media bias in political coverage. An analysis by the Media Research Center of ABC's "World News Tonight" coverage leading up to the debate revealed a stark contrast in the portrayal of the two candidates.

The study found that the program's coverage of Harris was overwhelmingly positive, with 25 positive statements and zero negative ones. In contrast, Trump's coverage included only five positive comments compared to 66 negative statements, resulting in a 93% negative spin score.

These findings have led to accusations that ABC News, and Muir's program in particular, have been displaying a clear bias in their political reporting. Critics argue that this alleged partiality undermines the network's credibility and may be contributing to the recent ratings decline.

Broader Media Landscape And Public Trust

The controversy surrounding the debate and its aftermath highlights ongoing concerns about the state of journalism and public trust in media institutions. The incident has become a focal point for discussions about the responsibilities of news organizations in providing fair and balanced coverage, especially during critical political events.

Some observers argue that the apparent bias in coverage and moderation tactics could further erode public trust in mainstream media outlets. This erosion of trust may have long-term implications for the media landscape and its role in informing the public during election cycles.

Others contend that the incident underscores the need for more transparent and balanced approaches to political coverage and debate moderation. They argue that fairness in reporting and questioning is essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

The debate and its fallout have also reignited discussions about the influence of media on electoral outcomes. With Harris seeing a bump in poll numbers following the debate, questions are being raised about the potential impact of perceived media bias on voter perceptions and decision-making.

Conclusion

ABC News' ratings decline following the presidential debate highlights the complex interplay between media coverage, public perception, and political outcomes. The controversy surrounding the debate moderation has sparked discussions about media bias, journalistic integrity, and the role of news organizations in shaping public opinion.

As the election season progresses, this incident may serve as a touchstone for ongoing debates about the responsibilities of media in a democratic society and the challenges of maintaining public trust in an increasingly polarized political landscape.