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GMA Signs New Weatherman Today

Posted Aug 22nd 2006 12:10PM by TMZ Staff

Sam Champion to join GMATMZ has learned New York TV personality Sam Champion will become the new "Weather Anchor" for ABC's "Good Morning America."

Sources say the deal will be inked today. Champion, who did the weather for WABC in New York for 19 years, will leave the station for the network gig beginning the first week in September. We're told Champion will do double duty for WABC on the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts until the station finds a replacement.

Champion, the perennially boyish blond TV fixture, has been a fill-in weatherman countless times on GMA. He's also substituted for Regis and Larry King on their respective shows.

We're told GMA will make weather a significantly more important part of the show -- hence, Champion's new title, "Weather Anchor."

New York represents seven percent of the national TV market, and Champion's popularity makes this a big get for the Alphabet network.



Tags: Good Morning America, GoodMorningAmerica, Sam Champion, SamChampion

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(Page 3 of 5) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

31. First Tony Perkins and now Mike Barz... Mike was awesome. He is one of the biggest reasons I watched GMA. Too much change is not a good thing...People don't like change. I was never a fan Viera, but maybe I will have to give her shot. Bad choice by GMA and ABc.

Posted at 2:35PM on Sep 4th 2006 by TAINA WEIR

32. I sure hope we are told why Mike is leaving GMA!!!! I have always enjoyed Spencer, Tony and now Mike. Sam's laugh is a bit over the top and can get on one's nerves. Mike was just a really likeable guy!!!! I'm very disappointed that Mike will be gone. :( I'll still watch GMA because I still prefer the rest of the program more than the other stations. VB

Posted at 10:14AM on Sep 4th 2006 by VB

33. Why change the weatherman? I really liked Mike and am wondering if GMA would give me the axe as a viewer as quickly as they give their associates the heave ho. Okay, now did MIke leave on his own or did he get pushed out the door? Sam is okay, but not as a a replacement for Mike.

Posted at 1:09PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Dorothy

34. I WAS NOT ONLY SURPRISED BUT DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED TO DISCOVER THAT MIKE BARR IS NO LONGER GOING TO BE THE WEATHERMAN ON "GMA" IN THE FUTURE. I BELIEVE THAT THE UPPER ECHELON AT ABC HAS MADE A GRAVE ERROR. CHARLIE WAS THE BEST AND ALTHOUGH I ENJOY ROBIN AND DIANE, I WILL PROBABLY CHANGE MY ALLEGIANCE TO MERIDITH VIERA AND THE "TODAY" SHOW. I THOUGHT MIKE BARR DID A SUPERB JOB.

Posted at 1:39PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Charlene Postlewaite

35. I followed Mike Bars from WGN. Where will he be now? My family will miss him. I think you are making a big mistake.

Posted at 1:51PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Sue B.

36. I followed Mike Bars from WGN. My whole family loves him. I think you are making a big mistake.

Posted at 1:55PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Sue B.

37. I followed Mike Bars from WGN. My whole family loves him. I think you are making a big mistake.

Posted at 9:59AM on Sep 5th 2006 by Sue B.

38. I WAS DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED TO DISCOVER THAT MIKE BARR WILL NO LONGER BE THE WEATHERMAN ON "GMA" IN THE FUTURE. I FEEL THE HIGHER ECHELON AT ABC HAS MADE A GRAVE ERROR IN DISMISSING HIM.. I THINK CHARLIE IS THE BEST AND MISS HIM. ALTHOUGH I LIKE ROBIN AND DIANE, I BELIEVE I WILL BE CHANGING MY ALLEGIANCE FROM ABC AND FOLLOW MERIDITH VIERA TO THE "TODAY" SHOW. I THOUGHT MIKE WAS SUPERB.

Posted at 1:57PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Charlene Mack Postlewaite

39. It is my humble opinion that ABC owes its listeners an explanation for why Mike Barr was taken off the air. I am now questioning my loyality to ABC,

Posted at 2:03PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Bill Postlewaite

40. I can't believe you have replaced Mike Bars. I loved him. Where is he going.
He was fun and nice to look at. too

Posted at 3:48PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Sally Ballew

41. i love sam but does that mean that mike is gone

Posted at 7:23AM on Sep 5th 2006 by Denise

42. I thought Mike was a great replacement for Tony. He seemed so real and made the show so much fun. I can't believe GMA felt he needed to be replaced. WHY?

Posted at 7:38AM on Sep 5th 2006 by Shirley Diehl

43. Is someone going to answer all the inquires about where is Mike Barz? I know he's going "on the road", but is that a permanent gig? I missed a couple of shows that must have explained it. He was pretty cool! I wish him luck whatever he's doing. I'll miss him.

Posted at 9:34AM on Sep 6th 2006 by Gail N.

44. I looked forward to Mike Barz' humor every morning. I've watched GMA all of my adult life, but with all the changes, I'm saying goodbye to GMA, and hello to Matt and Merideth!

Posted at 9:25AM on Sep 6th 2006 by LeAnn

45. Where is Mike Barr going? I loved him. He had the combination of great looks and a terrific personality. Where is he now????

Posted at 10:03AM on Sep 7th 2006 by Maureen Macina

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