When the News Scrambles You: Inside 'This Week's' Midterm Mayhem

From 2 a.m. to Midterms: A Producer's Daily Grind

Let's start with a truth that many people would rather not admit—few lives are as scrambled at 2 a.m. on a Sunday morning as Jon Schlossberg's. For those of us who've never had to pull an all-nighter in the name of journalism, it sounds like a nightmare. But for Schlossberg, a veteran producer who just stepped into his role as executive producer of ABC News' Sunday public-affairs program This Week, it's simply part of the gig.

Not too long ago, he was woken up at that ungodly hour to break the news that Senator Lindsay Graham had passed away. The implications? A complete rerun of the show's lineup—fast. And with the midterm elections just around the corner, Schlossberg and his team are learning how to juggle political deadlines with the fluid nature of real-time reporting.

"It's our job on 'This Week' to follow the news. That can lead to some very exciting last-minute decisions," Schlossberg admits, with a mixture of exhaustion and excitement. "We enter the weekend with a plan and wake up early Sunday and see where we are."

What this means for viewers is that the show remains as unpredictable and engaging as ever, even when the stakes are higher than usual.

The Power of Political Flexibility

As we approach what many consider to be a defining moment in American politics—midterm elections—it's crucial for programs like This Week to adapt quickly. Schlossberg's team doesn't just cover the news—they live it, often scrambling at the last minute to reflect real-world developments.

"We need to keep evolving," Schlossberg says, pointing out that the show is always on the lookout for ways to reach audiences across multiple platforms. It's not enough anymore to simply air on TV; the content must be distributed in ways that meet viewers where they are—be it streaming, social media, or podcasting.

What Makes This Week Different

The show's strength lies in its rotating lineup of moderators. Schlossberg has assembled a dream team: George Stephanopoulos, Jonathan Karl, and Martha Raddatz. Each brings something unique to the table, giving the program an edge over its competitors.

• George Stephanopoulos focuses on investigative journalism—delving into money in politics and how it shapes Washington's power dynamics.
• Jonathan Karl thrives on big interviews from across the country, particularly on issues like data centers and infrastructure.
• Martha Raddatz, with her background in foreign affairs and national security, often gets out front when breaking news hits—she's the show's on-the-ground correspondent.

This rotation keeps the program fresh and dynamic, ensuring that each episode offers a new perspective. It's not just about who's on the show—it's about how the content is presented and interpreted.

Behind the Scenes: A Producer's Perspective

Schlossberg has been with ABC News since 2018, starting as a senior producer for Prime with Linsey Davis, the network's nightly streaming program. Before that, he worked at ABC-owned stations in San Francisco and New Orleans, giving him years of experience across both local and national news.

He knows what it takes to make a program work under pressure, especially when breaking news strikes. But Schlossberg is also deeply committed to storytelling. He believes that even when the news scrambles you, there's always a narrative worth telling.

Preparing for the Midterms

With the midterm elections looming, Schlossberg and his team are preparing to intensify their coverage. They're not just looking at the surface-level political drama—they're digging deeper into issues that matter to voters, including campaign finance, healthcare access, and climate change.

Their enterprise reporting will be critical in helping viewers understand what's really at stake. Whether it's investigative pieces or surprise guest interviews, Schlossberg is determined to keep the content both informative and compelling.

Why This Week Still Wins

Despite the challenges of a fast-moving political landscape, This Week continues to dominate its Sunday slot. According to Nielsen data, it's the most-watched public-affairs show for the fifth consecutive season, commanding an average of 2.726 million viewers during the 2025-2026 cycle. That beats both CBS' Face the Nation, which averaged 2.634 million viewers, and NBC's Meet the Press, which had 2.588 million.

But it's not just about numbers—it's about influence. This Week has managed to stay relevant in a media landscape where traditional TV is losing ground to digital platforms. By combining traditional journalism with modern distribution methods, Schlossberg and his team are proving that public affairs programming still matters.

Looking Forward: What's Next for This Week?

Schlossberg sees the future of This Week in constant evolution. The show is exploring new ways to engage audiences—through interactive features, cross-platform storytelling, and even live streaming events.

"We're not just looking at how we can tell stories—we're also thinking about how we can get those stories out there," he says. "If people want to see the news on their phones, or hear it on a podcast, or watch it on YouTube, we need to be there."

For Schlossberg and his team, this is more than just a job—it's a mission. And in a world where political chaos often feels like a daily routine, they're making sure that the truth doesn't get lost in the scramble.