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ABC News is undergoing significant changes as it announces layoffs and the elimination of its polling outfit, 538. The decision comes amidst broader staff reductions at its parent company, Disney. According to The Hill, ABC News Group will let go of 200 employees, which accounts for less than 6% of the workforce at Disney Entertainment Networks. Among those affected are fifteen employees from 538.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on these developments. Sources indicate that this move is part of a larger consolidation effort within ABC News, which includes modifications to its on-air programming. Notably, "20/20" and "Nightline" will be merged into a single broadcast segment, while the "Good Morning America" production team will undergo restructuring under new management led by Simone Swink.

Media critic John Nolte from Breitbart News commented on the closure of 538: "The most interesting nugget is the news that ABC is shutting down the once-popular 538, the site created by Nate Silver touted as a data-driven piece of science that would predict the outcome of elections, along with things like the Oscars and sporting events."

Nolte further remarked on how perceptions changed after Donald Trump's election in 2016: "Under Silver the site did pretty well … until the arrival of Donald Trump in 2016. Suddenly, 'data-driven' began to look more like 'wishcasting,' and the site became a joke." He added that after Silver's departure in 2023 and an inaccurate prediction for the 2024 presidential election, "now it’s gone."

He emphasized: "Giving up 538 is a Big Deal. The whole idea behind that site was not to reflect what public opinion said in polling but to shape public opinion—especially in 2016, 2020, and 2024."

In his critique of ABC's programming choices, Nolte suggested reconsidering other shows: "The View is part of ABC News. If the network really wanted to make improvements, they might want to think about cutting that show. It’s politically toxic."