New York
CNN
—
T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, the anchors of the third hour of ABC’s flagship morning show “Good Morning America,” are leaving >, network president Kim Godwin announced to staff in a memo Friday evening.
“I know that this has been a distraction for so many of us, but let’s not forget all the great work that continues to make > the #1 news network in America, and that’s because of you,” Godwin wrote in the memo obtained by CNN. “I want to thank you once more for your patience and professionalism during this time.”
A decision regarding who will co-anchor ABC’s “GMA3” and “20/20” — which Robach co-anchored — will come later, Godwin said.
“After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, regarding different options, we all agreed it’s best for everyone that they move on from >,” an > spokesperson said in a statement Friday evening. “We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions.”
The network has been negotiating with the “GMA3” anchors this week regarding an exit and the talks have advanced to final stages, the person familiar with the matter said. A finalized deal might come as soon as Friday followingnoon.
“There is a lot of frustration on all sides that it might have been handled better,” the person said.
The all-but-certain exit comes following Holmes and Robach were taken off the air last month following a Daily Mail report showing the pair apparently engaged in a romantic relationship.
In a memo sent to network staff at the time, > President Kim Godwin announced the anchors would remain off the air pending the results of an internal review.
Godwin called the matter an “internal and external distraction” and requested staffers not to “gossip” regarding the matter while at work.
While the pair have remained off the air at “GMA3,” a rotating cast of hosts has filled in for Robach and Holmes on the program.
