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Top ‘Good Morning America’ Anchors Reportedly Reject Hosting ‘Toxic’ GMA3
“Good Morning America”’s prominent hosts have reportedly declined opportunities to anchor the daytime program GMA3, expressing concerns that the slot is “toxic.” Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan are said to have cited compensation, status, and reputational risks as primary factors in their decisions to avoid the troubled third hour of GMA.
Concerns Over Compensation and Prestige
According to an insider source at ABC, the highly-rated trio are seeking higher pay than what has been proposed to them for helming GMA’s struggling 3 PM hour. In addition to financial considerations, the hosts are reportedly wary that the publicized affair involving former GMA3 co-anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach has negatively impacted the program’s image.
Fallout from Holmes-Robach Affair Lingers
The extramarital relationship between Robach and Holmes, initially revealed by the Daily Mail in 2022, led to their subsequent departure from ABC. While Robach and Holmes have since publicly acknowledged their relationship, the scandal is believed to have damaged “Good Morning America’s” family-friendly brand.
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Insiders suggest that the lingering negative perception from the scandal, combined with recent staff reductions last month, is deterring prominent personalities from associating with GMA3. Stephanopoulos, Roberts, and Strahan are reportedly reluctant to take on additional responsibilities to compensate for the staffing gaps.
ABC Faces Daytime TV Challenges
The insider stated that the network approached Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos to potentially take over the GMA3 hour, but all three declined. The source further explained that following the Holmes and Robach controversy, the 3 PM timeslot is now perceived as “toxic” and undesirable.
Adding to the program’s challenges, all GMA3 staff, including the executive producer, were recently terminated. It is anticipated that significant financial incentives would be necessary to persuade main “Good Morning America” anchors to take on extra work. The source noted that the increased workload extends to the entire ABC team, not just Roberts and Stephanopoulos.
This daytime television predicament emerges shortly after reports in the Daily Mail indicated that recording artist Kelly Clarkson is poised to succeed Hoda Kotb on NBC’s competing program, “Today.”
Restructuring and Layoffs at ABC News
On March 5th, ABC News implemented staff reductions affecting approximately 200 positions, including GMA3 executive producer Catherine McKenzie. This restructuring initiative involves integrating Good Morning America’s production team to oversee the GMA3 slot. However, current GMA3 hosts DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim were not affected by the layoffs, prompting speculation regarding the program’s future direction.
During a staff meeting less than two weeks later, ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic affirmed that the GMA3 format would remain unchanged. Another source revealed to the Daily Mail that Karamehmedovic outlined plans to reorganize ABC News into three divisions: Live and Breaking News, Signature Shows, and Longform Storytelling.
According to this source, there is a sense of optimism surrounding these changes, viewed as a “fresh start.” However, despite this outlook, Roberts, Stephanopoulos, and Strahan remain unwilling to commit to GMA3, according to sources.
Financial Pressures and Staff Morale
Last month’s layoffs followed a previous reduction of 40 ABC News employees in October. Furthermore, in February, the network transitioned from its long-established Manhattan studio to a new downtown location.
Sources have indicated that the majority of job eliminations impacted staff in New York City. An ABC staff member commented to the media outlet Status last month, characterizing the situation as “doing more with less,” reflecting a prevailing sentiment among staff.
GMA3’s Tumultuous History
The daytime spin-off originated in 2018 as GMA3: What You Need to Know, initially featuring Sara Haines, then of “The View,” and Michael Strahan as hosts. Since its inception, GMA3 has experienced four name revisions, several format alterations, and numerous host changes, including the tenures of Robach and Holmes. At the time their affair came to light, both anchors were married.
ABC News has been contacted for comment regarding these developments.