Josh Elliot Leaves GMA Via Passive-Aggressive Memo
Josh Elliot is leaving Good Morning America, where he's been a news anchor since 2011, for NBC Sports. While it seems like a downgrade to go from ABC's morning show to NBC's sports arm, it was apparently Elliot's choice. ABC News president Ben Sherwood made this pretty clear in his memo announcing Elliot's move:
Josh Elliott let us know today that he is going to NBC Sports.
As many of you know, we have been negotiating with Josh these past several months. In good faith, we worked hard to close a significant gap between our generous offer and his expectations. In the end, Josh felt he deserved a different deal and so he chose a new path.
I want to thank Josh for his many contributions to GMA and ABC News. Later in the week, we will bid him farewell.
Looks like someone's feeling a little bitter about this whole thing!
The Hollywood Reporter's "sources" say Elliot was offered $4-$5 million, a "substantial raise" from his previous salary of $800,000 but apparently not enough to wake up at 4 a.m. every day. New York Daily News says Elliot was asking for $10 million.
THR described Elliot's new NBC Sports role (which hasn't been officially announced) as "robust." He'll get to cover the Olympics, so Bob Costas better make sure he doesn't get pink eye again or he'll be out of job. NBC Sports would also be a return to form for Elliot, who came to ABC from ESPN and also wrote for Sports Illustrated.
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Amy Robach, a.k.a. the woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer after her on-air mammogram, will take over for Elliot.
This article was originally published at http://www.thewire.com/entertainment/2014/03/josh-elliot-leaves-gma-via-passive-aggressive-memo/359877/
