TV Critic Tom Shales has harsh words for what he considers
to be GMA's opportunistic handling of Roberts' battle with myelodysplastic
syndrome (MDS), or preleukemia, for which she recently underwent a bone marrow
transplant with her sister acting as donor.
"Now we come to Something That Must Be Said,"
Shales writes. "It may have been said elsewhere already, but just in case,
here goes: ABC has managed to turn the very serious illness of co-anchor
Roberts into a huge promotional opportunity for GMA."
"On every edition of GMA, there are shout-outs, warm
wishes and detailed reports pertaining to Roberts' condition," he says.
"She has been seen in remotes from the hospital, and the sympathetic
outpourings of viewers have been heavily documented."
"Roberts was seen in a recorded message thanking
viewers: 'I feel the love and I thank you for it.' ABC rushed out a press
release, this one headlined 'Robin Roberts' Message: I Feel the Love and I
Thank You For It' and including a disclaimer: 'News organizations using
material from this report should credit Good Morning, America. "
The ratings have been strong since Roberts' departure: GMA
has been Number One in the adults 25-54 demo since she began her medical leave
on Aug. 31, and have been steadily gaining total viewers.
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