'This Week' Executive Producer Is Ready to Scramble for Midterms

This Week Executive Producer Is Ready: Jon Schlossberg Prepares for ABC's Midterm Coverage

Jon Schlossberg, the recently appointed executive producer of ABC News’ Sunday public-affairs program This Week, is gearing up for a busy midterm election season. According to a report by Variety, Schlossberg has acknowledged the unpredictable nature of news production, as exemplified by a significant last-minute change he faced during his tenure, when he had to rapidly adjust the show’s lineup after a major news event.

This Week Executive Producer Is Ready: Adapting to Last-Minute Changes in Live Broadcasts

During a recent episode, Schlossberg unexpectedly needed to overhaul the show’s plans. "It's our job on This Week to follow the news. That can lead to some very exciting last-minute decisions," said Schlossberg, who took over the program earlier this year. This flexibility is crucial, especially during pivotal periods like election cycles when breaking news can significantly influence programming choices.

This Week Executive Producer Is Ready: Continuing Success: Ratings and Audience Engagement

This Week has maintained its position as America's most-watched Sunday public-affairs show for five consecutive seasons, attracting an average of 2.726 million viewers, according to Nielsen data. This figure surpasses competitors such as CBS's Face the Nation and NBC's Meet the Press, reinforcing the show's popularity and relevance in a crowded media landscape.

This Week Executive Producer Is Ready: Focus on Midterm Elections and Moderator Dynamics

Looking ahead to the upcoming midterm elections in November, Schlossberg is focused on leveraging the diverse skills of the show’s three main moderators—George Stephanopoulos, Jonathan Karl, and Martha Raddatz. Each brings a unique perspective: Stephanopoulos emphasizes impactful investigative journalism, Karl engages in on-the-ground interviews, and Raddatz is swift to cover breaking news, particularly in foreign affairs.

Schlossberg believes that this rotation of hosts will provide an edge against rival programs while also engaging audiences more effectively. He is particularly enthusiastic about enterprise reporting that includes investigations and potential surprise guest appearances as part of the program's content strategy.

This Week Executive Producer Is Ready: Expansion Beyond Traditional Broadcasting

In an effort to reach wider audiences, Schlossberg plans to adapt This Week's content distribution methods. "We need to keep evolving... to meet our viewers where they are, which is all over the place," he stated, hinting at the potential for new platforms or formats to connect with audiences.

Prior to his current role, Schlossberg worked with ABC News since 2018, where he served as the senior producer for Prime with Linsey Davis. His background includes producing local news segments at ABC-owned stations in various cities, bringing a wealth of experience to the Sunday show.

What This Means

As Jon Schlossberg prepares This Week for the midterm elections, his focus on adaptability and innovative content strategies will likely be essential for maintaining viewer interest. The show's continued success depends on its ability to respond dynamically to news events while also innovating in how it engages with its audience. Schlossberg’s efforts to employ a diverse range of moderators may help deepen the show's appeal in an increasingly competitive media environment.

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