ABC World News debuted a new theme tonight. ABC News’ flagship broadcast had been using their previous theme since 2000, when Peter Jennings anchored the broadcast. Unlike their previous theme, this theme seems to have no relation to the original ABC News theme that has been used in various forms since 1978.
The new World News theme is a composition by major Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer and sounds decidedly cinematic. This continues a trend of movie composers doing news themes that was started by NBC which commissioned John Williams in 1985 to compose The Mission.
There had been some speculation as to when the ABC World News theme would be refreshed. The old theme by Edd Kalehoff sounded dated. Since it started being used, all other ABC News programs have received new themes.
Aside from the theme music, World News also received new graphics. The set remained mostly the same, though some color was added and a few camera angles have changed. At the end of the broadcast anchor Diane Sawyer commented on the changes. “You may have noticed some differences here in our studio,” she said. Sawyer then asked viewers to let them know how they feel about the changes by going to their website.
Update: See and hear the new open here.
I love the new theme! Hopefully it will soon end up here!
I can’t wait to hear the theme from Hans Zimmer.
But, here’s one question. What is it with Diane Sawyer and movie composers? I know the trend is inspired by John Williams for his famed NBC News theme.
First, it was Bill Conti for Primetime Live with Sawyer and Sam Donaldson. Now, it’s Zimmer for Sawyer’s role as one of Peter Jennings’ replacements.