For ABC News, it was a scene out of, well, ABC News: a news anchor at the center of an IED attack in Iraq.
First there was Bob Woodruff – recovering from shrapnel-laced injuries and on his way to hosting a special – and now there's Good Morning America punching bag Chris Cuomo.
Despite the rib kicks we've delivered to Cuomo in the past, we're happy to report that he's doing just fine and is uninjured after his Humvee entourage sustained a roadside bomb explosion. He was joined by ABC photographer Bartley Price, who is also doing well. (Some of the soldiers with him "suffered minor injuries.")
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Breaking: Straight from the land of Unconfirmedville, we're hearing word from inside ABC that Diane Sawyer might be leaving ABC's Good Morning America.
For HBO.
Apparently, there's this lady named Diane Sawyer who's causing headaches for ABC execs. Maybe you know her better than we — she hosts this morning show thing called Good Morning America? Anyhooslebies, she's only resigned her contract through the summer, and after that, who knows? She might stay, she might go … nobody is entirely sure, not even Diane! So what's causing ABC brass to reach for their Plavix?
The uncertainty about her next move has caused considerable anxiety among ABC officials, who are not eager to see her leave "GMA" on the heels of her longtime co-anchor Charles Gibson, who switched over to the evening newscast last spring.
Executives fret that "GMA" would founder without her, especially as the program is still finding its footing since the arrival of two new on-air hires this season: news anchor Chris Cuomo and weatherman Sam Champion. Anchor Robin Roberts has been in her post since May 2005 but has a lower profile than her well-known co-host.
Then again, there is always the Katie Couric case study: That eight-figure woman left the Today show and, uh, viewers the Nielsens barely noticed. Though, yeah, about Chris Cuomo …
Exclusive
If you were around for Chris Cuomo's live coverage of James Brown's death, you already know where this item is headed: the shitter.
It's no secret on W. 66th that Milgram-duplicator Cuomo is on the outs with pretty much everyone at ABC — even, some say (including us), Diane Sawyer, his mentor and biggest cheerleader. From his John Mark Karr debacle to his on-air fumbling of James Brown's death, more than one ABC insider tells us his colleagues aren't impressed.
While Cuomo broke the news of Brown's death on-air, he wasn't asked back for Brown's funeral – even though he's the news reporter – when Sawyer was in Africa and unavailable. Rather, Charles Gibson was brought in for the task. How come? Cuomo's bungled first attempt might have something to do with it:
KATE SNOW: Such a loss. It happened so quickly, too.
CHRIS CUOMO: Yeah. It happens sometimes. But you know with him, the music lives on…
KATE SNOW: Yeah.
CHRIS CUOMO: …and that's a good legacy.
KATE SNOW: The inspiration.
CHRIS CUOMO: Absolutely. Yeah.
So while Cuomo is left on the sidelines, Diane Sawyer remains holding the GMA ship steady. Still.
One insider tells us that when GMA executive producer Jim Murphy recently attempted a massive staff overhauling, Diane put the kabosh on it. In a two-hour private meeting, we hear, Sawyer went over Murphy's ideas point-by-point to explain how wrong each of them was. In the end, it was Sawyer's reshuffling plan that went into motion, despite the memo Murphy's name was attached to.
All of which should give Cuomo some pause: Even though he tells February's Elle magazine that he doesn't want Sawyer's job – "I am the news anchor. The hosts are the hosts … and they are very capable. I am the low man on the depth chart on this team." – we hear otherwise. While Diane has recommitted until early summer at least, it's clear she's desperate to move on — and Chris has long been witnessed trying to make calculated moves to be her replacement.
Though, naturally, nobody at ABC would ever have it. Says one ABC staffer: "The moment Diane leaves, wave goodbye to Chris, too."
A tattler with the ambition to watch both morning and late night shows tips us off to a decent sized gaff at Good Morning America that – says our insider – could cost someone in the tapes department her job.
Kate Winslet stopped by yesterday morning to chat with Diane Sawyer and promote The Holiday, her Christimas-time flick co-starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. Hoping to offer a glimpse inside Kate's beginnings, GMA played a clip supposed of her as a little girl, with Diane saying something about how cute she was.
Except it wasn't Kate.
Too gracious a guest to cause a live, on-air embarrasment, Winslett didn't say anything — until she stopped by David Letterman's show later that night as her press tour continued. On Dave's couch she described what went down. And Letterman's response?
"That show needs to be canceled."
After the jump, an excerpt from the ABC transcript.
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• Good Morning America is once again biting at the heels of Today.
• After canceling the O.J. Simpson special, it doesn't make much sense for Fox to have reality programming chief Mike Darnell sit on a National Association of Television Programming Executives panel in January.
• Fox News bestows Keith Olbermann the high esteem of "Turkey of the Year." But we all know how Decemeber superlatives turn out.
• U.S. Supreme Court says NYT must hand over phone records of two reporters. Not so interested in their YouTube clip viewing data.
• The deets on MSNBC anchor Alison Stewart's wedding to the network's primetime programming VP Bill Wolff make no mention whether guest Tucker Carlson spent the night Dancing.
• First CNN Pipeline asks you to cough up the bucks for exclusive video. Now CNBC Plus wants to charge you a monthly fee to watch the network — right on your desktop!
• BlackBook editor Steve Gabarino is exactly what you'd expect when you hear the term "microeditor."
Exclusive
Is it time for Janice Min to have a No. 2 at Us Weekly? That's what more and more gossip industry insiders have been suggesting, pointing out how well things worked with Bonnie Fuller having Janice as her go-to girl (and the fact that Ken Baker, Min's pesudo-No. 2, is a liability). Now we hear the prophecy appears to be coming true: An insider tells us Colleen Curtis – currently a top staffer at Good Morning America underneath the newly seated senior exec producer Jim Murphy – is packing up shortly and heading over to the Wenner Media tabloid. Curtis, of course, headed to GMA from the New York Daily News, where she made sure the likes of George Rush and Joanna Molloy didn't confuse Luke and Owen Wilson while ensuring Ben Widdicombe delivered lines on cue. We hear GMA is aware of the departure and that she's leaving on good terms. Her official title at Us will be something along the lines of "executive editor" – of which there are a few – but at its core, we're told her role will be Janice's right hand. That is, until she replaces her when her contract comes up next year. For now, though, she'll be Janice's counsel when she needs to unload about the latest Jann Wanner crazy fit.
Good Morning America will make a desperate stab to catch up to the Today show's ratings — at least for one day. On Saturday, the ABC morning gabfest will try to create a show that airs in 2031, a full 25 years in the future. Expect lots of HD shots (courtesy some LA firm usually accustomed to working on Shrek-like projects) and 3-D rendering. It'll be like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, except the only lady you'll be able to bag is an ancient Diane Sawyer.
Since GMA is trying to show a world that doesn't yet exist, The Future Now will draw heavily on photo-realistic graphics in lieu of video. Such graphics will depict New York City in 2031 and give a virtual tour of the home of the future.
ABC has assembled a large graphics team for the project, supplemented by a bevy of New York University students, that is working around-the-clock to create six to seven minutes of true high-definition graphics that will be spread throughout the show. The NYU reinforcements were the idea of ABC Senior Art Director Carlos Al Asmar, who teaches at the school.
Guests expected to appear include Dakota Fanning (talking about her breakup with a younger man: Colin Farrell's love child) and Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi Sue (who's reached huge success as a fashion designer specializing in stingray handbags).
It wouldn't be a Friday without Good Morning America weatherman Sam Champion gushing over the name of a hottie. You almost missed this week's quota, Sam. Next week, could you keep us from getting so anxious at the week's end that you might miss you "oooh!" numbers by using all of your Monday and Tuesday segments to tell us about Jesse Metcalfe and Pierre Casiraghi? Thanks doll. See you tonight at Barracuda!
Turns out John Mark Karr's behavior was too disturbing for ABC's Good Morning America — but NBC was ready and willing to take the crazy bait. After ABC pulled the plug on the interview, which we were the first to tell you about, word now comes that the Today show will air a sit-down with the faux JonBenet Ramsey killer. Questioned by Dr. Keith Ablow, whose syndication agreement with Telepictures provided a hefty budget to pay Karr for the sit-down, Karr was taped for the segment after being "given six drinks" and told they were just doing a run-through. All of which – and we're just guessing here – likely runs afoul of NBC's standards policy. But that needn't get in the way of a sloppy seconds get.
KARR'S 'DRUNK' RANT TO AIR [Page Six]
Last Friday, ABC threw a little party for Good Morning America staffers, including new additions Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion. Everything was all well and good (we presume) except for one little blip: Diane Sawyer was MIA.
ABC tells Rush & Molloy that Sawyer was sick. She landed back in NYC Friday after her Mel Gibson interview in L.A. (the first he's given since his DUI arrest) and was "sick in bed." GMA staffers, however, tell a different story.
One source says, "The staff took Diane's absence as a clear message she is leaving the show, and is slowly starting to separate herself from it."
That's so sweet. Those staffers sure are wishin' and hopin' and dreamin' and prayin' that Sawyer will get up and go already. The part where ABC says they were the ones who urged her not to come to the party doesn't really help the case either.
Side Dish [Rush & Molloy, Daily News]
Could Diane Sawyer's fondness of protege Chris Cuomo be waning? After yesterday's item about Cuomo's John Mark Karr get – which Sawyer turned down, to the disappointment of many – loose lips from West 66th have been flooding our inbox.
While it was Diane's doing that brought Cuomo to Good Morning America from Primetime (though they both still hold down the fort at the latter program), more than one ABC source questions Sawyer's loyalty to the brother of an attorney general candidate.
Says one ABC insider: "For now, everyone thinks Diane supports Cuomo. That's what matters. Of course, the truth is a mystery. That's the way it always is. Does she like someone; does she hate someone? No one ever knows the truth."
Relays another: "Sawyer is only going to approve of someone if it helps her in some way. But from the looks of things, bringing him to GMA isn't helping her. So you connect the dots."
To which we ask? Helping her do what? Remain in Barbara Walters' shadow?
Elsewhere, we hear Diane is fond of Cuomo's "manliness" and "physical presence."
And as for how Cuomo ended up with the biggest get of the month, another ABC insider tattles: "The only way Chris would get that Karr interview is if Diane put her stamp of approval on it." So there.
Meanwhile, There is one gauge to measure the relations between Sawyer and Cuomo. We hear GMA just named a new senior producer to the roster: Chris Vlasto. Besides being linked to Bill Clinton's impeachment (among other things), Vlasto was, interestingly, "Cuomo's handler" at Primetime. Certainly Diane wouldn't be bolstering GMA's ranks with Cuomo allies if she was done taking his side, right? That, or there's the whole "keep your enemies closer" mantra we'll have to turn to.
Exclusive
Ever since Chris Cuomo landed on ABC's Good Morning America in September (while continuing to co-anchor Primetime), staffers haven't taken a liking to him. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that he can't read the teleprompter. Or maybe it's his being on stage next to brother and state attorney general candidate Andrew Cuomo, clapping whenever Hillary Clinton's name is mentioned — not exactly kosher for an "objective" journalist. Either way, it seems his only remaining ally is Primetime and GMA partner Diane Sawyer, who brought him to the morning show.
But the twosome's close relationship is, we hear, setting off another round of disgruntlement. We've learned ABC has scored an exclusive sit-down with John Mark Karr, of JonBenet Ramsey's murder notoriety. But Sawyer, in an effort not to attach herself to such sleaze, has refused to be the one firing off questions for the huge ABC get — a get that comes on the heels of August's much-touted exclusive with Quintana Shotts, Karr's ex-wife.
So with Diane opting out of the interview, who will be fielding it? Chris Cuomo is, of course. And around ABC, he seems to be the only one pleased about it. Suffice to say, most folks would've much preferred Diane to take the interview.
Again, Mediabistro bloggers pull out the magic question mark to drop this bit of gossip — this time from the TV front. Good Morning America is reportedly bleeding staffers and morale.
Senior producer Luz Montez and weather producer Gary Stein have both left for the "entertainment side of TV" instead of news. (Huh? The news is the best entertainment you can get!) Anyways, there seems to be some kerfuffling going on over at GMA. Probably because Diane Sawyer is so depressed, but, who knows. It could be the fact that they're firing everyone.
The insider talked about rumors that "some senior staff and other ABC Newsers at GMA were being asked to find new employment." He continues: "There is a lot of turmoil at ABC. There are a lot of unhappy people working here that have been applying for jobs outside of the company." The insider hears "there may be some major changes soon…"
Recently axed Time Inc. staffers were last seen fleeing towards W. 66th St.
"There Is A Lot Of Turmoil At ABC…" [TV Newser]
We are so grateful New York magazine was able to capture this special moment between Sam Champion and Chris Cuomo, two of the new faces joining ABC's Good Morning America.
We know the caption says that Sam and Chris are saying "Good Morning, America."
Yet it seems that the phrase Cumo is uttering here went more along the lines of, "Omigiod, like America? Totally Fab Morning!"
Breakfast With Champion [Jada Yuan, New York Magazine]
We were so enthralled over Chris Cuomo joining the Diane Sawyer Robin Roberts team, that we completely skipped over a few other TV Newser gossip bit.
Our favorite Manhunter, Sam Champion, is also joining Good Morning America as their trusty weatherman. First came the rumor (FTV Live says Sam Champion is going to GMA), Then the back-up (a tipster tells TV Newser Sam Champion is going to GMA) and then the confirmation:
"Sam came back from vacation this afternoon, and the deal was finalized," this TVNewsTalk.net poster says. "ABC made Sam an offer to join Good Morning America and he couldn't pass it up. This is Sam's dream — national exposure."
So, Sam Champion is going to GMA. He likely won't have as much of a hosting role as Al Roker does on Today, but we're happy to have a guy who paid his dues on shitty New York local news get his moment in the spotlight. Especially because when we get reports and gossip concerning his latest Chelsea romps, people might actually care.
GMA's New Weatherman: Sam Champion? [Brian Stetler, TV Newser]
Earlier: The Weathermen Outside Are Frightful, But the Gossip Is So Delightful
Earlier: Sam Champion Stays Current With News, Porn
Yes, Good Morning America is still in existence. Recently, Robin Roberts replaced the departed Charlie Gibson, and now GMA is bringing on Chris Cuomo as their news editor. He's been kicking around ABC for a while, hosting Primetime and working as a "senior legal correspondent." And yes, he is governor Mario Cuomo's son … and Andrew Cuomo's brother.
“You have to be willing to give yourself to the audience,” he said in a telephone interview, adding, “There’s an expectation of intimacy.” Most important, he said, the audience needs to “understand that I really care what happens in their lives.”
He doesn't stop there. He's also really passionate about crime reporting.
“People care about that — what’s going wrong in society, who’s doing it and what the accountability is. Those types of stories are very important if you are trying to demonstrate to the audience that you care. I will do those stories and I will do them with a lot of gusto.”
Finally! Somebody who's willing to address chopped up bodies and child molesters before 9 am.
ABC Names New Morning News Anchor [Elizabeth Jensen, New York Times]
Ahh, Stephen Colbert and his crazy antics are getting the MSM in a tizzy again. After coaxing political front runner Robert Wexler to utter the statement "I like cocaine because it's a fun thing to do," a segment on Good Morning America refers to the "playing along" as "foot and mouth disease." GMA even asks "why do politicians even go on the show?"
And as much as our adoration has gone down for Colbert since he blew us off a the Time 100 party, we have to give it to him on this one. The fact that he calls Matt Lauer an "old news guy" and features clips of Diane Sawyer talking about "tanorexia" pretty much seals the deal on how hard our morning shows struggle for news. And, as you all know, we love a good laugh at the expense of a well known newscaster any day.
We just heart that HuffPo people ranker. It's much prettier and easier to read than Google trends, and not as corporate.
So, we thought, why not see who in the blogosphere is talking about Charles Gibson? Since today was his last day on Good Morning America and all, we're sure there are plenty of people of people talking about it. Even if the New York Times didn't even mention it on their media pages. Surely, they must be talking about him more than they are Katie Couric, who's been hiding out in her new Hamptons house since leaving the Today show. Right?
Not so much. So, we could go on and on about how it was his last day, and try to say Charles Gibson one or two more times to try and even out the score, but the reality is, nobody but ABC is really even noticing. Can we say it? Can we insert the "sorry Charlie" here?
The details remain murky over Rick Kaplan's resignation from the top spot at MSNBC. The public agitprop: that Kaplan willingly resigned after his two and a half years on the job. But buried inside a Philadelphia Inquirer story, as Inside Cable points out, is the insider quibbling.
Meanwhile, back at MSNBC … NBC News president Steve Capus delivered the verdict to Kaplan, but industry insiders say Capus’ boss, NBC Universal TV honcho Jeff Zucker, made the call.
Sources say the two Alpha males clashed on their visions for the network _ Zucker wanted more emphasis on crime and lots of repeats; Kaplan wanted more fresh news. Big Rick is about a foot taller than Zucker, but Zucker outranks him.
“I fully didn’t expect Rick to go as quickly as he did,†says Capus. Still, “I thought it was inevitable, at some point.â€
Meanwhile, TVNewser reports Kaplan yesterday met with Good Morning America brass about that open executive producer slot — which is good news for us. We're just dying to hear about Kaplan and Diane Sawyer coming to blows about childhood obesity.
Kaplan Talks To ABC About GMA Job [TVN]
Related: Breaking: Rick Kaplan Splits MSNBC
