ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) is facing a ratings slump, and network executives are pointing fingers at the show’s star anchors’ frequent absences as a key issue. 

According to reports, internal crisis talks have taken place as the morning show continues to lag behind its rival, NBC’s Today show.

Leadership Concerns Over Declining Performance

Executive producer Simone Swink reportedly addressed the team in a recent meeting, 

emphasizing that GMA is underperforming and urging staff members to maintain a stronger presence in the office. 

This directive comes as ABC executives express concerns that the absence of key anchors, including George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, 

and Michael Strahan, may be contributing to the show’s dip in viewership.

Viewers of morning television value consistency, with experts suggesting that familiar faces help establish audience loyalty. However, GMA’s top hosts are entitled to an extraordinary 100 days off per year, allowing them to frequently rotate in and out of their on-air roles. While this arrangement benefits the high-profile anchors—who each reportedly earn up to $18 million annually—it has created a noticeable lack of continuity for the audience.

Audience Noticing Anchor Absences

The impact of these absences has not gone unnoticed. Robin Roberts, for example, recently took time off to celebrate her birthday, sparking chatter among viewers. Fans have expressed disappointment when their favorite hosts are frequently missing, further fueling concerns that this could be affecting the show’s overall appeal.

Additionally, Michael Strahan has faced recent backlash over a Veterans Day controversy, when he failed to place his hand over his heart during the national anthem. His response to a reporter questioning him about the incident further intensified the criticism, adding to the challenges the show is currently facing.

A History of Setbacks

GMA’s struggles did not begin overnight. The program has been dealing with lingering reputational issues stemming from former news producer Kim Godwin’s tenure, which saw the highly publicized scandal involving former co-anchors Amy Robach and TJ Holmes. The network’s handling of their workplace romance—first attempting to stand by them before ultimately parting ways—was widely criticized and left GMA facing what industry insiders have dubbed a “talent crisis.”

Now, with a new network president, Almin Karamehmedovic, at the helm, the pressure to turn things around is mounting. Karamehmedovic, who has focused much of his efforts on World News Tonight, has reportedly voiced concerns that GMA is not offering compelling content in its current format. Under his leadership, the show has trailed Today in ratings for the past four weeks, a concerning trend for ABC executives.

The Battle for Viewers

While GMA still holds a slight lead in season-to-date ratings, its recent struggles suggest that the competition with Today is tightening. NBC’s morning show has been outperforming GMA in both total viewership and the coveted 25-54 demographic, which is most attractive to advertisers.

Morning television as a whole has seen some ratings declines, but GMA’s downturn appears to be particularly concerning for ABC executives. As the show works to regain its footing, the question remains: Will the network implement changes to counteract the current slump, or will GMA’s star anchors need to adjust their schedules to maintain their dominance in the ratings race?

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