Home : TV : GMA Signs New Weatherman Today

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

Comments [63]
SHARE |
4ie6

Relevant Posts

Reader Comments

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

46. Was HOPING Mike Bars airtime would be INCREASED on GMA! He was GREAT! I just DON'T see the draw to this Sam Champion! Not my type!

Posted at 11:24AM on Sep 7th 2006 by Julie Lohen

47. I wanted to know where Tony Perkins went--not that I cared, because I LOVED Mike Bars, and found him a much better weatherman. I found him funny and with a carefree nature and he worked the crowd very well. Now, all of a sudden, we have this blond guy who I just find "phoney". I see here that he's gay--maybe that's what I was feeling as they make him out to be so good, and the all american Boy. I am very disappointed that Mike is already gone. What did they do with him?

Posted at 8:25AM on Sep 8th 2006 by Janet Lane

48. I always wanted to know where Spence went. Can anyone tell me? Also, what happened to Tony Perkins--not that I cared because I really felt Mike Barrs was a superb choice! He worked the crowd very well, and was funny and carefree. Plus, he genuinely gave the impression that he really enjoyed his job. Did the big shots at GMA fire him?! I certainly hope not because he was great!
Also, this Sam guy just doesn't fit. He's too much of a pretty boy--and I find him to be "phoney". Now, I see by reading these messages that he's gay--that explains why he came across as phoney to me. GET HIM OFF AND BRING MIKE BACK!!!!!

Posted at 9:11AM on Sep 8th 2006 by Janet Lane

49. way to go sam, the most handsome man on tv. i am going to tape gma so i dont miss you.i like it when you and diana williams and sade bederenwa tease each other and banter. bill evans should replace sams gig on eyewitness weather. but i will miss his upbeat style.and the heck with all the sourpusses of this world!!!

Posted at 12:47AM on Sep 12th 2006 by mike sheedy

50. i think sam champion is the most handsome man on tv!.and a very good forcaster.i love the way diana williams and sade bedernwa and sam tease and banter with each other.storm feild was very good but he split, and ira joe was good, even frank was good but no one has the perk power of sunshine that sam has. i am a old sourpuss and a smile is quite rare. but sam makes me smile and laugh! i think he will fit very well with gma, chris cuomo is interesting and in time he will relax. diane is fun and robin is fun but a little to into sports which bores me.so go sam go and good luck!!!!!!!!!.

Posted at 7:52PM on Sep 11th 2006 by mike sheedy

51. Sam is gay and i used to date him also, and he is a hunk, did
you know he is 62!!!!! si

Posted at 8:23AM on Sep 12th 2006 by anthony nardiello

52. Maybe Sam and Chris will provide some hot boy on boy action . . . anything for ratings. Robin is one hormone away from being a man . . . in the gay/lezbo column, we have Robin and Sam . . .

Posted at 1:13AM on Sep 13th 2006 by Alpha Numeric

53. I miss Mike! I am a GMA fan ... but I think they made a big mistake. I turn the station to Today when Sam comes on.

Posted at 1:45PM on Sep 13th 2006 by Audrey

54. My wife and I just want to add our thought regarding Mike Barr. He is terrific. I must add a "ditto" to all of the above thoughts. ABC has made a grave mistake by replacing him. The guy has a wonderful personality, a great sense of humor, and wit. Plus his rapport with the crowd was outstanding. Bring him back, or you will lose us.

Posted at 2:42PM on Sep 13th 2006 by Ronald Landweer

55. I'm not a Sam fan at all.... but I thought Mike Barr was TOOO GOOD to just be a weatherman right from the start. He should be a host. I hope he's going on to bigger and better things. I've been a GMA fan since David Hartman days and must say that I'm just not feelin' it these days..... & now Mike is gone too!

Posted at 8:07PM on Sep 13th 2006 by kw

56. I too am very disappointed that Mike Barr is no longer on "Good Morning America" . I looked forward to your show in the mornings , the chemistry was great, then Charlie left and the you let Mike go . I am now watching Today.

Posted at 12:15AM on Sep 16th 2006 by Kathy B.

57. huge mistake,Mike Barr was great.The first week I watched him I thought ABC has a winner with that guy and all of a sudden he is gone.unbelievable.

Posted at 9:18AM on Sep 20th 2006 by dwight macrae

58. I am so disappointed with ABC's decision to replace Mike with Sam Champion. My entire family (husband & 2 teens) watch GMA every AM, & we all think Sam seems too insincere...too "Hollywood" ,if you will. We miss seeing Mike. He was someone that we felt able to relate to. We watched GMA to see him. Tony was great...Mike was even better. He has a terrific personality..seemed like he was part of our home, as we ate breakfast and got ready for work and school. Sam is not a "come on into my home" kind of personality. We find his weather updates, and general presence on the program a disruption of our morning. We love Diane & Robin, however, we feel we are going to give Matt & Meredith a try now. It would be nice to know where Mike went to...there was never any explanation......?

Posted at 8:42AM on Sep 21st 2006 by Laura from Buffalo, NY

59. Mike Barr should have been given the host spot....Since Robin Roberts took over I have switched to NBC THE TODAY SHOW. I watched GMA for the last 12 years and hated switching, but hate watching it more with Robin co hosting it. Sorry Diane!
Sandy

Posted at 3:59PM on Oct 9th 2006 by Sandy

60. They should give Mike Chris Cuomo's job . Chris looks like a deer in the headlights every morning. I think he's still in shock that he actually got the job.

Posted at 8:04AM on Oct 16th 2006 by Sally

Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments