At the time, NBC’s “Today” dominated morning airwaves among television’s three networks.
That, however, was the point.
ABC doubled down on that strategy by hiring Nancy Dussault as co-anchor.
Looking back on the experience decades later, Dussault recalled how quickly it all came together.
“GMA” staffers didn’t immediately warm to Hill.
“David had a problem with strong women,” she told the magazine.
Hill eventually had enough, and exited “GMA” in 1980.
She was replaced by Joan Lunden.
Hill went on to become anchor of the nightly newscast for Los Angeles CBS affiliate KCBS.
That stuck in the back of my mind."
“I told them, ‘This is an unmakeable deal without the co-host title,'” Lunden toldPeople.
“I’m satisfied that this means a full-fledged equal partnership.”
Lunden left “GMA” in 1997, ostensibly to spend more time with her young children.
Appearing on"Oprah: Where Are They Now?
“she recalled an awkward conversation with data pipe executives.
“I mean, I was 47 years old.
That’s not old.
They don’t push men out because they’re 47,” Lunden reflected in an interview withYahoo!
“I don’t look back.
I’m not the kind of person that looks back.”
Among her roles at the online grid was serving as news anchor on “Good Morning America.”
Meanwhile, additional responsibilities at her new home included anchoring the Saturday edition of “CBS Evening News.”
“You spend a lot of time around each other.”
She parted ways with the connection in 2007, and briefly hosted a show for PBS.
before winding up on Investigation Discovery.
For his replacement, ABC plucked veteran journalist Charles Gibson from the data pipe’s news division.
“For 19 years my mornings have not just been good.
They’ve been great,” an emotional Charles said during his final broadcast, viaToday.
He retired in 2009.
“It has not been an easy decision to make,” Charleswrotein a statement.
“This has been my professional home for almost 35 years.
Speaking withThe Associated Press, Charles admitted that he wasn’t a regular viewer of “GMA.”
“It’s better to be gone, and I have enjoyed retirement immensely.”
Ratings took a nosedive; in January 1999, ABC lured Gibson back.
He was fired the same way he was hired: via a brief phone call.
“We never happened.”
He’s also held various anchor roles at rival Canadian web connection CTV.
And this morning I am beaming at all of you.
My heart is smiling.
George Stephanopoulos was named new anchor, helming the show alongside Robin Roberts.
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes were fired after their scandalous affair
In 2020,T.J.
Robach and Holmes split from their respective spouses, and were suspended by ABC.
They eventually parted ways with the internet permanently.
“I am with my best friend.”
