Sam Champion announces he is leaving GMA

[Jillpie]

Wow, I'm so surprised, especially since he's leaving this Wednesday. Pretty shocked he didn't give the viewers more of a heads up.


Meteorologist Sam Champion leaving Good Morning America
By Shaun Ganley, Digital Media Manager, WCVB.com, sganley@hearst.com
Published On: Dec 02 2013 11:25:48 AM EST
Updated On: Dec 02 2013 11:29:47 AM EST
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NEW YORK -
Sam Champion says only an amazing opportunity could take him away from his ABC family.

After 25 years with ABC News and "Good Morning America," Sam Champion will be leaving for a new position at The Weather Channel.

The morning meteorologist made the announcement Monday morning on this Twitter account.

Champion will work as an on-air host and managing editor for The Weather Channel.

He will also anchor a new flagship morning program at the cable network starting in 2014.

His last day at "Good Morning America" will be Wednesday, ABC News President Ben Sherwood said in a memo to staffers.

ABC News said Ginger Zee would take over Champion's weather responsibilities on "Good Morning America."

 

[eliza61]

Wow. I am surprised. I often wonder if TV weather personalities are going for advancement in their craft or advancement in the "personality" side.
I know nowadays a lot of them are certified metorologist with credentials but I wonder hwo many folks will view him on the Weather channel.

I liked him so wishing him well.

LOL 25 years is a long time anywhere.

 

[Jillpie]

Yeah, I wish him well too, I really like him.

 

[Poohbug]

Not really surprised. He has been missing quite a bit lately. I can also tell he does not like the weather in the north. I do not know but wouldn't be surprised to find him working closer to his home.

I like him but I also like Ginger and I think the transition will be smooth.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

good for him but not for me. I ♡ him

 

[goofinoff]

Maybe I'll give GMA a try now. Don't like him.

 

[willowsnn3]

I always liked Sam but have been noticing since he got married he has been 'away' alot. And having a lot of cosmetic work done too, lol.

 

[Straitlover]

Does that mean Al Roker won't be doing his morning gig on the Weather Channel once Sam's new gig starts?

 

[goofinoff]

Does that mean Al Roker won't be doing his morning gig on the Weather Channel once Sam's new gig starts?

Not sure. Is NBC affiliated with the Weather Channel?

 

[Imzadi]

He's leaving for The Weather Channel???

The Weather Channel???

He's on a morning, primetime, network TV show, watched by millions, and he's leaving for The Weather Channel, which people watch maybe for 10 minutes at a time.

He's been my weatherman for the last 25 years. I remember when he started out here on the local ABC news. After his first week here, David Letterman, on his Late Show, made a huge joke about him, saying something like, "We got this new, blond weatherman that is so good looking, he is a "Ken doll." And what kind of name was "Sam Champion?"

I don't watch The Weather Channel anymore as the local cable feed no longer shows the local weather every 8 minutes. We just get "general weather" around the country instead.

Ah, Sam, I will miss you.

 

[JanaDee]

Not sure. Is NBC affiliated with the Weather Channel?

Yes, I believe they are owned by the same company.

 

[DebbieB]

Does that mean Al Roker won't be doing his morning gig on the Weather Channel once Sam's new gig starts?

I read Al will do 6:00-7:00, Sam 7:00-10:00

I will miss him too, I like GMA in the morning while I'm getting ready for work. Way better than Matt Lauer's group on NBC. Not even sure who is on CBS!

 

[Jessica14]

We have watched him for 25 years too! I read that he will be in Atlanta, which is closer to his home in Miami. I think these last few weeks he was burning off vacation time before he left. I'm going to miss him.

 

[Imzadi]

I wonder if working on this Thanksgiving was the last straw? I noticed Robin & George got it off. Only the newbies worked, plus Sam, who's been with ABC for 25 years.

This was not like being forced to work at the local Walmart 3 miles away. Philly is 3 hours away from NYC. Sam hosted the Philly parade for 6 years for ABC, so he definitely put in his dues working on Thanksgiving.

Maybe he's just tired of being sent all over the place with no real say in the decision making. He recently got married to his longtime boyfriend. Hosting his own show and becoming editor, he probably made sure his contract said he's in on the decisions of when and where he gets to go.

 

[jackemail]

I will miss him....love the chemistry Robin and George and Sam and Lara have. I won't watch him on the Weather Channel...never watch it in the morning.

I do like Ginger Zee, though.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

Sad. I love him! They have such good chemistry, they genuinely like each other.

I never noticed Ginger because I never payed attention when it wasn't Sam.

 

[tvguy]

Sam announced today he is going to be the face of the new Weather channel venture. He is not a meterologist, which is not uncommon, just an on air personality with a either a forecaster behind the scenes or using NWS info..

Ginger Zee has her degree in meteorology, and is AMS certified.

 

[Laura66]

Sad. I love him! They have such good chemistry, they genuinely like each other.

I never noticed Ginger because I never payed attention when it wasn't Sam.

This! I think I love the show so much because they seem to really like each other! They were all there and supported Robin when she was sick. They

 

[kimmar067]

He's leaving for The Weather Channel???

The Weather Channel???

(

....well, it was either that, or The Bachelor....

 

[OhMari]

He was on 25 years?


I am surprised he is going to The Weather Channel. I can look at my App on my IPad or phone and see the weather. Someone told me the sale of watches have gone way down, because people just look at their phones. The Weather Channel is dying like watches. Plus what an insult to other meteorologist on The Weather Channel.