Sam Champion Tops 'GMA'

Local ABC weather queen Sam Champion is rumored to be taking his honeybasket to Good Morning America, where he'll replace former weatherman Tony Perkins. ABC hasn't made any announcements, but TVNewser and the lot are buzzing that the deal was finalized yesterday (perhaps to WABC's chagrin, as losing Champion may hurt their ratings with the Chelsea demographic), and Champion will start September 5, the same day that political progeny Chris Cuomo becomes the show's official news reader.

Even if you don't give two shits about burnt sienna weathermen, this is still exciting news. If Champion can make the leap to national network news, then maybe someday the Coop can, too. Pave that yellow brick road, Dorothy!

GMA's New Weatherman: Sam Champion? [TVNewser]
Sam Champion Leaving WABC in 2 Weeks [TVNewsTalk]
ABC Names New Morning News Anchor [NYT]