ABC News staff face dire working conditions as ratings plunge

In the United States, ABC News is facing significant challenges as its flagship morning show, 'Good Morning America' (GMA), witnesses a substantial decline in ratings. This decline coincides with the transition of staff from the former headquarters in New York City to a new building in Hudson Square. Currently, some employees remain in a poorly maintained facility on the Upper West Side, which has been described as cold, musty, and lacking basic amenities such as heating and Wi-Fi. There are ongoing complaints about the conditions, with one source remarking, 'it smells like crap,' highlighting the deteriorating state of the building. The situation has become increasingly dire. Sources indicate that the building, where ABC has been situated since the 1980s, is not only uncomfortable but also falling apart. The new owners, who purchased the property for nearly $1 billion in 2018, are reportedly tearing it down for high-rise development, leaving little incentive for maintenance or repairs. This has contributed to broken elevators and escalators, making it a challenging place for employees to work. Staffers have complained that with the antenna ripped off the building and no plans for replacement, the working environment is becoming increasingly untenable. While staff continue to cope with these challenging conditions, the ratings for GMA continue to slide, losing out to NBC's 'Today' show. This decrease in viewership has not gone unnoticed by ABC's executives. Simone Swink, the show's executive producer, recently acknowledged during a morning meeting that there is significant work to be done to reverse this trend. Insiders believe that Swink is well-equipped to address the challenges facing the show, with one noting that she 'is beloved' and 'one of the hardest working people in television.' Her extensive knowledge of morning television is viewed as critical in turning the show's fortunes around. As staffers look forward to the move to the new downtown headquarters, expected to be completed by February 2025, there is an air of cautious optimism. The new facility is anticipated to provide a fresh start, potentially reinvigorating the show's ratings and improving working conditions. However, the immediate situation at the Upper West Side location needs urgent attention to ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and without unnecessary distractions or challenges. This combination of declining ratings and inadequate working environments paints a concerning picture for the future of ABC's morning show.