Mega
George Stephanopoulos is in danger of having his Good Morning America tenure cut short by penny-pinching ABC bosses as the clock runs out on the expensive anchor’s $15 million annual contract, sources spill.
“Ratings haven’t been as great, and while everybody likes George, execs are thinking it may be time to bring in someone new who could attract a younger audience,” shares a TV insider.
Negotiating a new deal is a tall order for 63-year-old George, spies snitch, since bottom line–focused execs took the reins of the Disney-owned network’s news division earlier this year.
Tipsters dish the brand-new news division chiefs were handed unprecedented power to punch up sagging ratings and polish the tarnished reputation of GMA after an embarrassing sex scandal saw stars Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes kicked to the curb.
But according to sources, high-priced anchors should have their heads on a swivel.
Now, gossips gab that George and longtime cohost Robin Roberts, 64, are fighting for their television lives as bigwigs scrutinize their spreadsheets and start sharpening their axes!
Former broadcast executive Joe Peyronnin says of the industry, “We have had a tremendous shake-up in how TV is delivered and received, and the business is going through a major struggle trying to retain and grow revenues.”
But sources squeal that the new management style differs from that of previous news division head Kim Godwin, who pretty much let George and Robin run the show.
“Both of them were comfortable with the way things were,” adds the insider. “Now they have someone watching — and judging — their every move!”