The closely watched search for an executive producer for “Good Morning America” appears to be nearing resolution, with the top job on ABC’s morning show going to former “CBS Evening News” executive producer Jim Murphy, sources said Tuesday.

The sources said Mr. Murphy is likely to be the senior executive producer with a second-in-command chosen from within ABC News.

ABC News declined to comment.

The network has known since early June that Ben Sherwood, who has been helmed the show since April 2004, would be leaving by October to return to Los Angeles. ABC News executives have talked with a long list of candidates, some of whom have declined the challenge of trying to close the ratings gap between No. 2 “GMA” and No. 1 “Today” show.

Most industry observers expect “Today” to remain strong with Meredith Vieira sitting next to Matt Lauer, the seat Katie Couric occupied until she resigned to become sole anchor of “CBS Evening News” effective Sept. 5.

In addition to deciding on behind-the-scenes leadership, “GMA” also still needs to settle on a replacement for Charlie Gibson, now the anchor of “World News Tonight,” as co-anchor with Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts.