topic Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA in TV and Movies

Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Scooty — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:02:48 GMT

Josh is going to NBC sports. Wonder who'll replace him at GMA. I won't miss him but I sure do miss Sam Champion. Sam was always a bright light in the morning.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Wsmom — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:27:52 GMT

Amy Robach has replaced him. I'd always liked him on the show but I'd read some time ago that he isn't a very pleasant person to begin with. He's not a fan of any of the women on the show, has a real issue with women in general, with the exception of Robin Roberts. In this instance he wanted a lot more money. They were in negotiations but he just wanted far more than they were willing to offer. I was surprised that he wasn't on this morning. That was really fast unless he's just gone for the day. If he is permanently gone already, I would guess there was quite the drama behind the scenes.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:28:46 GMT

Josh Elliott's contract was up for renewal ..... he was making $1.2 million per year and when he learned that Robin Roberts new contract was worth $14 million a year, he asked for $8 million.

He had other offers and took a better one when they refused to go above $4 million.

Personally, I don't think Robin is worth anywhere near $14 million a year!

I will miss Josh a lot.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

lmt — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:36:01 GMT

On 3/31/2014 Wsmom said:
Amy Robach has replaced him. I'd always liked him on the show but I'd read some time ago that he isn't a very pleasant person to begin with. He's not a fan of any of the women on the show, has a real issue with women in general, with the exception of Robin Roberts. In this instance he wanted a lot more money. They were in negotiations but he just wanted far more than they were willing to offer. I was surprised that he wasn't on this morning. That was really fast unless he's just gone for the day. If he is permanently gone already, I would guess there was quite the drama behind the scenes.

I've never read anything nice about Josh Elliott. I found this little snippet:

“It’s no secret that Josh has major, major issues with women. Josh had a difficult childhood and as a result, has trust issues with females,” a show insider tells RadarOnline.com.

“Josh is extremely insecure and needs constant validation from everyone around him about how wonderful he is and what a great job he is doing. Josh doesn’t get along with Lara Spencer at all, and the two have had multiple fights over trivial issues about how stories are covered. The only female Josh hasn’t fought with is Robin Roberts, because he respects her for her previous work at ESPN.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

lmt — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:37:15 GMT

On 3/31/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:
Josh Elliott's contract was up for renewal ..... he was making $1.2 million per year and when he learned that Robin Roberts new contract was worth $14 million a year, he asked for $8 million.

He had other offers and took a better one when they refused to go above $4 million.

Personally, I don't think Robin is worth anywhere near $14 million a year!

I will miss Josh a lot.

I love Robin Roberts. I think she's the glue that holds the show together but NO ONE is worth that kind of money for reading the news. NO one!

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Wsmom — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:48:36 GMT

On 3/31/2014 lmt said:
On 3/31/2014 Wsmom said:
Amy Robach has replaced him. I'd always liked him on the show but <em>I'd read some time ago that he isn't a very pleasant person to begin with.</em> He's not a fan of any of the women on the show, has a real issue with women in general, with the exception of Robin Roberts. In this instance he wanted a lot more money. They were in negotiations but he just wanted far more than they were willing to offer. I was surprised that he wasn't on this morning. That was really fast unless he's just gone for the day. If he is permanently gone already, I would guess there was quite the drama behind the scenes.

I've never read anything nice about Josh Elliott. I found this little snippet:

“It’s no secret that Josh has major, major issues with women. Josh had a difficult childhood and as a result, has trust issues with females,” a show insider tells RadarOnline.com.

“Josh is extremely insecure and needs constant validation from everyone around him about how wonderful he is and what a great job he is doing. Josh doesn’t get along with Lara Spencer at all, and the two have had multiple fights over trivial issues about how stories are covered. The only female Josh hasn’t fought with is Robin Roberts, because he respects her for her previous work at ESPN.

That sounds like the same article I read, or something very similar.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

LoriLori — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:04:05 GMT

On 3/31/2014 lmt said:
On 3/31/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:
Josh Elliott's contract was up for renewal ..... he was making $1.2 million per year and when he learned that Robin Roberts new contract was worth $14 million a year, he asked for $8 million.

He had other offers and took a better one when they refused to go above $4 million.

Personally, I don't think Robin is worth anywhere near $14 million a year!

I will miss Josh a lot.

I love Robin Roberts. I think she's the glue that holds the show together but NO ONE is worth that kind of money for reading the news. NO one!

First, she does waaaaaay more than just read the news; she doesn't even read the news. She has to have a full range of talents on the morning show including the ability to discuss a wide range of topics with a broad range of guests and be on her toes to intelligently cover breaking news, including tragedies.

There is no other job in television where one has to go from interviewing Justin Bieber to covering 9/11 live as it happened.

Second, you can be sure if she is being paid that, that ABC/Disney Corp. knows that she is significantly responsible for bringing in hundreds of millions in revenue. They are in it to make money. They know exactly how much she brings in and they pay her what she is worth in those terms.

As for Josh, I will miss him. I too detest Lara Spencer so much so I change the channel when she's on. Like Josh I have no interest in the old or new gossip she jabbers about. I don't know if Josh is a nice guy or not but IMO he was good at his job.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

lmt — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:46:57 GMT

On 3/31/2014 LoriLori said:
On 3/31/2014 lmt said:
On 3/31/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:
Josh Elliott's contract was up for renewal ..... he was making $1.2 million per year and when he learned that Robin Roberts new contract was worth $14 million a year, he asked for $8 million.

He had other offers and took a better one when they refused to go above $4 million.

Personally, I don't think Robin is worth anywhere near $14 million a year!

I will miss Josh a lot.

I love Robin Roberts. I think she's the glue that holds the show together but NO ONE is worth that kind of money for reading the news. NO one!

First, she does waaaaaay more than just read the news; she doesn't even read the news. She has to have a full range of talents on the morning show including the ability to discuss a wide range of topics with a broad range of guests and be on her toes to intelligently cover breaking news, including tragedies.

There is no other job in television where one has to go from interviewing Justin Bieber to covering 9/11 live as it happened.

Second, you can be sure if she is being paid that, that ABC/Disney Corp. knows that she is significantly responsible for bringing in hundreds of millions in revenue. They are in it to make money. They know exactly how much she brings in and they pay her what she is worth in those terms.

As for Josh, I will miss him. I too detest Lara Spencer so much so I change the channel when she's on. Like Josh I have no interest in the old or new gossip she jabbers about. I don't know if Josh is a nice guy or not but IMO he was good at his job.

I never said that Robin wasn't talented - she most definitely is!

But I still think she's vastly overpaid, as are they all in that field.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 01:08:41 GMT

As far as being "overpaid", that's not how TV works. It's all about the ratings, which determines the PROFITABILITY of the show. If a show like GMA makes hundreds of millions a year in advertising revenues, then the members of the on air team should benefit from that, as well.

It wasn't that long ago that the six members of the TV show Friends negotiated with NBC to get ONE MILLION PER EPISODE .... and NBC paid it. Now, Friends was definitely a cute show, but NONE of those actors was delivering $1 million per episode acting.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

keri — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:21:04 GMT

Despite rampant speculation that NBC will eventually reunite the former GMA team of Sam Champion and Josh Elliot on the Today set, a more likely scenario is that NBC wants an established face in place well in advance of Matt Lauer's much-rumored departure (year-end option in 2014), or at the end of his contract cycle.

Ryan Seacrest's name has been touted as a possible successor to the Today crown currently worn by Lauer. Carson Daly has contributed to the network's esteemed morning chat-fest. Willie Geist probably is another hopeful, but without the visibility of Josh Elliot. Despite the fact that these programs aren't the hard news entities that they once were decades ago, it's doubtful that Seacrest, Daly or Geist have the gravitas to handle the demands of high-profile political newsmaker interviews or breaking news that can unfold during those two-hour blocks, such as the 9/11 Attacks that began in the last half-hour of the morning shows.

While Josh Elliot's background is sports primarily, while at ABC he's proven himself adept doing harder-edged pieces. NBC is quick to emphasize that his deal is with NBC Sports, but that doesn't preclude sharing him with other divisions within the NBCU corporate entity. In grooming him to perhaps become the next Today co-host, he certainly wouldn't be the first to transition from sports to news. Bryant Gumbel did it successfully before him at NBC. At ABC, his former GMA colleague, Robin Roberts, was known primarily for her work at ESPN before settling into her present role as co-anchor.

BTW - don't expect to see Josh Elliot anytime soon on Today. NBC must honor his contract's six-month non-compete clause, effectively barring him from appearing on-air until October, at the very earliest. This establishes an excellent promotional opportunity in advance of the all-important November Sweeps, when you can expect escalated competition between fierce rivals Today and GMA. NBC undoubtedly will use this time wisely, with intensive training in the fine art of anchoring and co-hosting the Peacock network's venerable 62-year-old institution known as Today, the fifth longest-running program in American TV history.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

shesallthat — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:13:02 GMT

many reports talk about josh wanting more because of what robin was making. but an insider said that the execs wanted to reward robin - her story with the cancer brought in TONS of viewers for the show and they are still hanging around for her. they feel they may have been popular but it was because of her mainly that they shot to #1 and remain there. the viewers love her! now why josh would think he should make anywhere near what she is being paid is beyond me. and the inside said that it was much closer to $20M a year than $14 but declined to say exactly how much.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Wsmom — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 17:35:02 GMT

interesting article on TMZ this morning.

http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/01/josh-elliott-good-morning-america-abc-nbc-robin-roberts/

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

keri — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:36:47 GMT

Thanks for the article link Wsmom; very interesting. I say that from the perspective of having worked in TV News at both the network and major market level. While I loved my job, I don't know why I didn't get out sooner. The pressure for ratings is intense; the competition is enormous. The cutthroat culture and backstabbing is incredible. If viewers believe the "one big happy family" notion, well - congratulations to the Promotions Department for an exceptionally well-done job.

For the average person, it's hard to imagine/justify the adjective "only" being used to describe multi-million dollar salaries for TV personalities. Granted, they're required to be educated, articulate, poised and unflappable under constant deadline pressure on live national television, but is anyone really worth $15-million or $20-million per year? After all, they're just conducting interviews and reading news that much lower-paid producers, writers, researchers, production assistants, etc., have prepared in a collaborative effort to make the on-air talent look good. These "talking heads," as they're so often called, haven't found a way to ensure world peace, stop climate change or cure cancer. They don't teach your children, protect your life and property or make this a better world.

I've always found it amazing that AM TV, perhaps even more so than the rest of it, is habit - pure and simple. Almost no one has anything to say until there's a seismic shake-up in their morning routine. Research has proven that viewers don't like change, especially when it comes in waves. That's why contract expirations and option cycles are staggered to avoid mass departures and defections. GMA lost Sam Champion earlier this year and now Josh Elliot is out the door.

It also speaks volumes as to how well these personalities connect with their audience, which is partly why they're so highly paid. No one had much to say about Robin Roberts before her very public battle with cancer, which ABC embraced, exploited to the hilt and spun into ratings gold. Yes, Robin's a major draw for GMA now, but the week that it finally toppled Today from a more than 18-year reign at #1 in the ratings was while Robin was hospitalized and former Today co-anchor Katie Couric was substituting. Since that time, it's been a seesaw battle ever since for ratings supremacy.

Remember the NBC debacle when Deborah Norville replaced Jane Pauley as Today co-anchor? To the average viewer, the perception was that the younger, blonder Norville was supplanting the more established, more experienced (translation: older) Pauley. It was a botched transition that looked like a day at the beach when compared to the ouster of Ann Curry recently due to her serious demeanor, frumpiness and amid rumors of a major rift with co-anchor Matt Lauer, who allegedly detested her more with each passing day.

Now as we read about who's in, who's out and who can't stand each other, bear in mind that first and foremost, it's a job - similar to yours - where your manager may be incompetent, some of your co-workers undeniable, unrepentant slackers or masters at the game of office politics. Undoubtedly TV pays better and is perceived as glamorous, but it's a job. It's no fun always living sleep-deprived, awakening at 2:30 AM, traipsing all over the world and trekking through multiple time zones often in a single day. It grows weary very quickly and that's why the compensation is huge: to attract, to promote and to retain the most experienced, intelligent, congenial personalities so that America can start its day with a seemingly stable, seamlessly charming, totally manufactured network TV faux family.

If you're interested in reading more about the network news wars, I highly recommend 2013's highly entertaining and insightful Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV by New York Times reporter Brian Stelter, who "reveals all the dish and dirt behind the polite smiles and perky demeanors of morning television..."

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

corita — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:13:34 GMT

Am not sure that Josh will be missed... I would like Lara Spencer to go as I don't think she adds anything to the show; she appears to be so dingy!! I have seen her on her "picking" show and her demeanor is so different -- more mature and calm!! Have read, on Internet, that George does not like Lara's method of presentation. She has stated that she is aware of George's feelings, but she will not change! I have said before...I miss the good, ol' ABC morning news show - Charlie Gibson, David Hartman etc! Currently the ABC morning show has turned into a third rate variety, entertainment show and I am not interested in that genre!

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

keri — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 20:25:15 GMT

In early 2011, when she was a co-host on The Insider, Lara Spencer jumped the gun, publicly stating that she was moving up to Entertainment Tonight, its more prestigious sister show, succeeding veteran host, Mary Hart, upon Hart's retirement after 30 years in that role.

This announcement shocked the industry. The problem was that despite being the front-runner for the job, it wasn't a done deal; no contracts had been signed. Reportedly, Hart and her good friend, ET Executive Producer Linda Bell Blue were so incensed by the blatant breach of protocol, that negotiations broke off immediately and former Access Hollywood co-host Nancy O'Dell, who'd previously been vetoed by Bell Blue, was given the ET job, at the insistence of CBS boss Les Moonves.

Soon after that humiliation, Spencer wrapped up seven years at The Insider, returning to her Good Morning America roots where she'd previously served four years as National Correspondent. In her new role as Lifestyle Anchor, it was said that Spencer would be covering such issues as family, parenting, health and fitness, as well as contributing to ABC News Nightline. Anonymously some skeptics doubted that "with her ego," Spencer would be content as a GMA supporting player rather than a star.

Obviously, her role has expanded greatly since the outset.

Personally, I never cared for Spencer and would not watch her due to that annoying voice and abrasive on-screen personality that I deemed extremely off-putting.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

oceanjade — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 21:00:44 GMT

I'm at a loss at which AM show to watch now. I loved Sam Champion and then he left and I can't stand Spencer. Then on the Today Show, I can tolerate Matt but can't stand the cute woman who they promoted as a regular. She is beautiful but definitely clueless.......Now sometimes I start at "AM HQ", Sam's show, and then search around.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

lmt — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 21:12:08 GMT

keri - I loved both of your above posts. There is so much action behind the scenes - your insights were really interesting!!

Interesting story about Lara Spencer. I never heard anything about that.

I've read that George doesn't really care for Lara and her entertainment/gossip bits on the show. I think that he thinks the show should be about serious news/issues and less puff pieces. Some days I think you could cut the tension between George and Lara with a knife.

I'm not a big fan of George. I think he would be better suited to doing the nightly news and I imagine he wants Diane Sawyer's job when she retires. Although I would rather see David Muir take over. I don't think George fits in with the morning news format - he's just too rigid and serious. Amazing that he's married to such a live wire as Ali Wentworth. I miss Chris Cuomo. I miss Diane and Robin together.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

maddiecat — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 22:31:36 GMT

I miss Chris Cuomo too. ABC should have kept him.

I also believe that ABC wants George to eventually have Diane's job, but David Muir does an excellent job and should be considered.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

keri — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 23:14:29 GMT

On 4/1/2014 oceanjade said:
I'm at a loss at which AM show to watch now. I loved Sam Champion and then he left and I can't stand Spencer. Then on the Today Show, I can tolerate Matt but can't stand the cute woman who they promoted as a regular. She is beautiful but definitely clueless.......Nowverymetimes I start at "AM HQ", Sam's show, and then search around.

Just hang in there, oceanjade, and be patient. Matt Lauer's co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who married PR and Communications Consultant and former Democratic Political Advisor Michael Feldman a week ago Saturday, will be going on leave shortly. At the reception, in a produced simulated "Breaking News" segment that interrupted the congratulations and toasts, Savannah announced to assembled guests that "we're expecting." She's four months pregnant, so you can expect her to go on maternity leave possibly by early- to mid-summer.

Re: Josh Elliott leaving GMA

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 23:25:20 GMT

I don't mind Lara Spencer, but think Robin Roberts is HIGHLY overrated. I think George as the only man at that desk just looks silly. They need another guy for "balance".