Deborah Roberts makes the deserved moves!
The veteran journalist, who has been with ABC for 28 years, has secured the co-host position for 20/20 in your preferred prime time online news.
“Once you get really committed to a program like I have over the years, you ask for more,” Roberts, 63, said Diversity in an interview published Tuesday, adding that being promoted to co-host helps address that. “You always feel like you have a little more ownership of the program and more of a say in what it’s about.”
Roberts, who is married to Today Longtime broadcast meteorologist Al Roker, will join David Muir in his new role. She replaces Amy Robach, who left ABC News in January after the network. launched an investigation into her romance with her GMA3: What you need to know co-hosted by TJ Holmes.
“After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and TJ Holmes about various options, we all agreed it was best for everyone to move on from ABC News,” an ABC spokesperson said in a statement at the time. “We recognize their talent and dedication over the years and are grateful for their contributions. Decision for new co-hosts [of GMA3 and 20/20] will come later.”
Al Roker celebrates wife Deborah Roberts’ 63rd birthday: ‘You’re just warming up’
ABC/Heidi Gutman
Before her new one 20/20 role, Roberts reported for Muir’s show, World News Tonight with David Muir, together with Good morning America and Night line. It also served as a substitute for the anchor GMAas well as a guest co-host on ABC View.
The Emmy Award winner first started reporting for 20/20 1995 after being recruited by television pioneer Barbara Walters.
Later on Tuesday, Roberts shared her new “privilege and honor” with her Instagram followers.
“I have some news to share. I’m thrilled and humbled to take on the role of co-host of @abc2020 alongside my friend and colleague @davidmuirabc,” she began. “We are proud to continue the tradition of in-depth coverage of this venerable magazine that has uncovered truths and opened hearts and minds for 46 years, beginning with the greats Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs.”
“It’s the thrill of a lifetime to travel the path Barbara has blazed for women like me who have dreamed of reporting meaningful, life-changing stories,” she added. “What a privilege and honor to uphold the legacy of @abcnews #thankyou.”
Celebrities like Viola Davis reacted to the candid post. “Celebrating you sis!!! Well deserved,” Davis wrote with three heart-shaped emojis, while ABC’s Robin Roberts added, “Yessssssss!!!”
‘GMA’ Robin Roberts and Deborah Roberts on Their Friendship-Turned-Alliance: ‘No Limits … No Exceptions’
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John Lamparski/Getty
Expressing his joy for his wife, Roker, 69, posted a press photo of Roberts and Muir on his Instagram page.
“So proud that @debrobertsabc has been named co-host alongside @davidmuirabc of the legendary #newsmagazine @abc2020,” Roker wrote. “It was 28 years ago that #barbarawalters was on the other end of the phone, encouraging Deborah to lunch and talk about joining her on the air. And now, she gets to carry on that legacy.”
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Weighing in on the network’s decision, ABC News president Kim Goodwin described Roberts as a “first-rate journalist.”
“Deborah Roberts is one of a kind – a first-rate journalist who brings heart, authority and integrity to every story she covers,” said Goodwin, per Diversity. “Along with David Muir, she embodies DNA 20/20inspiring the team and people around the world with every thoughtful word, inspiring report and impactful interview.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education