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Credit: Video Screenshot, 'Good Morning America', ABCIt seems hard to believe, but this year, ABC’s longstanding morning news program Good Morning America will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Launched on January 6, 1975, as AM America, ABC wanted to be able to compete with NBC’s morning news shows, and the networks didn’t realize just how fierce the competition would be. After trying several different programming methods, ABC changed things up and the show was officially renamed Good Morning America on November 3.
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It’s been a long road and has taken a lot of hard work, but Good Morning America is now considered one of America’s most popular and trusted morning news shows. Over the years, a variety of hosts have taken on the prominent anchor role, and the show is now hosted by Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer, and Michael Strahan.
Fifty years on the air is a big accomplishment, and ABC News has announced that GMA will be celebrating the milestone by changing up the way it does its programming.
On July 3, the show launched its “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful.”
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ABC shared more on the new series in a press release:
“Each week, a GMA anchor or correspondent will visit a new state, following the order in which they joined the United States, to spotlight a local changemaker and showcase the state’s unique culture, history, traditions and landmarks. Viewers are invited to nominate inspiring individuals in their communities who are making a meaningful impact. ’50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful’ will run through July 2026, celebrating the milestone in a heartfelt way with audiences nationwide.”
“This series is a chance for us to explore the country and share stories that reflect the heart of each state. We’re looking forward to meeting people, highlighting what makes each state special, and proudly keeping the ‘A’ in GMA.”
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The new series is a positive move for the morning show that has been making its fair share of headlines in recent months.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Michael Strahan was planning on leaving Good Morning America when his contract expired later this year. Insiders claimed that the former NFL star wanted to focus on other projects and spend more time with his family. However, recently, others claimed that Strahan wanted to stay with the show, but take on a reduced role, giving him more free time.
Just last month, ABC fired veteran journalist Terry Moran after he blasted Donald Trump and Stephen Miller, calling them “world-class losers.” Despite his firing, Mr. Moran stands by his words and says that all he did was say something that was “accurate and true,” and he does not regret that.
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And that is nothing compared to the mess the network got into with longtime news anchor George Stephanopoulos. During an interview, Mr. Stephanopoulos said that Trump had been found “liable for rape” when he was actually found “liable for sexual assault,” a big legal distinction in New York.
Trump filed a lawsuit against ABC News, and in a last-minute decision, Disney CEO Bob Iger decided to settle the lawsuit for $16 million — $15 million going to Trump’s presidential fund and $1 million in legal fees.
Good Morning America’s 50 States in 50 Weeks begins in Delaware, and the anchors will travel to a new state each week, highlighting some of the state’s incredible residents.
Do you love tuning into Good Morning America in the morning? Will you be watching 50 States in 50 Weeks? Who is your favorite anchor on the show? Share all your thoughts on everything Good Morning America with us in the comments!