CableTV: Sam Champion Departing GMA for TWC

Sam Champion

America’s most-watched Weather Anchor, Sam Champion, is bringing his talents to the number one destination for all things weather, The Weather Channel. 

The move was announced today by David Clark, President of The Weather Channel. The award-winning journalist will anchor the network's new flagship morning show, which is set to debut in early 2014. Based at The Weather Channel headquarters in Atlanta, Champion will also assume Managing Editor responsibilities at the network.

The Weather Channel will debut its new morning show in early 2014, capitalizing on its position of having its strongest viewership occur during the mornings. The multi-hour show will leverage the network’s advancements in local content delivery, as well as its content partnerships, to help Americans get off to the right start daily, ready for any weather condition they may face.

Most recently, Champion was the Weather Anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America" (GMA) and Weather Editor for ABC News.

ABC News President Ben Sherwood sent the following note to the news division this morning announcing that Sam Champion is leaving ABC News to join the Weather Channel.

I’m writing with important news: 

Our friend and colleague Sam Champion is leaving ABC News for a new opportunity at the Weather Channel.  He will become the on-air face of the network, appearing as a host and serving as managing editor. Sam calls it a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

For 25 years, Sam has been a vital member of the ABC News family — joining powerhouse station WABC in 1988 and GMA in 2006.   

Over the years at GMA, Sam has broadcast more than 1,800 weather forecasts.  He has traveled to almost every major weather event in the U.S.  As many of you know, Sam’s “Go” bag is always ready and his stellar reporting during Superstorm Sandy contributed to ABC’s Peabody Award for coverage of that historic storm. 

Sam has broadcast live from a raft floating between polar icebergs, danced the salsa on “Despierta America” and interviewed countless newsmakers, celebrities and chefs.  On his show “Sea Rescue,” viewers have shared Sam’s passion for marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release. 

While there is no replacing Sam, we are in excellent hands with his storm chasing partner of the last few years, meteorologist Ginger Zee, who will take over his weather responsibilities at GMA and across ABC News.  As you know, Ginger always rushes straight toward the eye of any storm and weaves cutting-edge science with human emotion to elevate our coverage. 

GMA will celebrate Sam’s last day on Wednesday’s program.  While he is leaving ABC News, he will always be a part of our family. 

Please join me in thanking Sam for his friendship and countless contributions to our news division.  And let’s all wish him the very best and say so long for now. 

Ben