ABC is facing a major dilemma as Good Morning America’s biggest stars have all turned down the opportunity to take over the troubled third-hour slot, GMA3.
Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan have reportedly rejected the offer, citing concerns over compensation and the lingering controversy surrounding the show.
A Stain That Won’t Fade
The fallout from the TJ Holmes and Amy Robach scandal continues to cast a long shadow over GMA3.
Their highly publicized extramarital affair, first revealed in 2022, led to their dismissal from the network.
While the pair have since embraced their romance publicly, the damage to GMA’s family-friendly image remains, making the third hour a “toxic” prospect for the network’s top hosts.
Layoffs and Uncertainty
The rejection from Roberts, Stephanopoulos, and Strahan comes on the heels of massive layoffs at ABC, with over 200 staffers, including GMA3’s executive producer Catherine McKenzie, being let go as part of a major restructuring.
Despite the shakeup, current anchors DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim have remained in place, fueling speculation about the show’s uncertain future.
ABC Struggles to Move Forward
During a recent town hall, ABC News boss Almin Karamehmedovic reassured employees that GMA3 would continue in its current form, despite the staffing cuts.
He also announced a new structure for ABC News, dividing it into three divisions: Live and Breaking News, Signature Shows, and Longform Storytelling.
While leadership tries to project optimism, employees are still feeling the impact of recent layoffs, particularly those in ABC’s Manhattan offices, which bore the brunt of the cuts.
Star Power Stands Firm
While ABC scrambles to stabilize its daytime lineup, its biggest stars remain firm in their stance.
A source close to the network revealed that Roberts, Stephanopoulos, and Strahan refuse to take on additional work without significantly higher pay.
They are unwilling to “pick up the slack” caused by a scandal they had no part in, recognizing the value of their star power and negotiating accordingly.
A Broader Industry Trend
ABC’s troubles are not unique. Layoffs have also hit NBC News and CNN in recent months, with media companies across the board cutting costs and restructuring operations.
“It’s all about doing more with less,” one ABC staffer explained, summing up the industry-wide shift.
The Future of GMA3
Originally launched as GMA3: What You Need to Know, the show has undergone multiple name changes, format shifts, and host rotations in its six-year run.
With its future hanging in the balance, ABC must now figure out how to keep the program afloat without the backing of its biggest names.
One thing is clear—Roberts, Stephanopoulos, and Strahan won’t be stepping in to save it anytime soon.