Photo:ABC/Heidi Gutman
ABC/Heidi Gutman
Deborah Robertsis making well-deserved moves!
The veteran broadcast journalist, who has been at ABC for 28 years, has secured the position of co-anchor for20/20in the coveted primetime news slot at the network.
“Once you have really planted yourself firmly into a program like this as I have over the years, you look for more,” Roberts, 63, toldVarietyin an interview published on Tuesday, adding that the advancement to co-anchor helps solve that. “You always feel like you have a little more ownership of a program and more of a say in what it’s all about.”
Roberts, who is married to theTodayshow’s longtime weathermanAl Roker, will join David Muir in her new role. She replacesAmy Robach, who departed ABC News in January after the network. launched aninvestigation into her romancewith herGMA3: What You Need To Knowco-anchorT.J. Holmes.
“After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it’s best for everyone that they move on from ABC News,” an ABC spokesperson said in a statement at the time. “We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions. A decision for new co-hosts [ofGMA3and20/20] will come later.”
Prior to her new20/20role, Roberts has reported for Muir’s show,World News Tonight with David Muir,along withGood Morning AmericaandNightline. She’s also served as a substitute anchor onGMA, as well as a guest co-host on ABC’sThe View.
Later on Tuesday, Roberts shared her new “privilege and honor” to her followers onInstagram.
“I have some news to share. I am thrilled and humbled to step into the role as co anchor@abc2020alongside my friend and colleague@davidmuirabc,” she began. “We are proud to carry on the tradition of in-depth reporting on this venerable newsmagazine which has revealed truths and opened hearts and minds for 46 years, beginning with the great Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs.”
“It is the thrill of a lifetime to travel the path which Barbara cleared for women like me who dreamed of reporting meaningful and life changing stories,” she added. “What a privilege and honor to keep the legacy going@abcnews#gratitude.”
Celebrities likeViola Davisreacted to the heartfelt post. “I celebrate you sis!!! Deserved,” Davis wrote with three heart emojis, while ABC’sRobin Robertschimed in, “Yessssssss!!!”
John Lamparski/Getty
Expressing joy for his wife, Roker, 69, posted a press shot of Roberts and Muir to his ownInstagrampage.
“So proud of@debrobertsabcbeing named co-anchor along side@davidmuirabcof legendary#newsmagazine@abc2020,” Roker wrote. “It was 28 years ago when#barbarawalterswas on the other end of the phone, inciting Deborah to lunch and talk about joining g her on the broadcast. And now, she gets to continue that legacy.”
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Weighing in on the network’s decision, ABC News president Kim Goodwin touted Roberts as a “first-class journalist.”
“Deborah Roberts is one of a kind — a first-class journalist who brings heart, authority and integrity to every story she covers,” Goodwin shared, perVariety. “Along with David Muir, she embodies the DNA of20/20, inspiring the team and people around the world with every thoughtful word, inspiring report and impactful interview.”
source: people.com
