NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Good Morning America’ stars may not be completely on board with Disney’s idea to move the morning show from Times Square Studio to Hudson Square in New York City.
The recent news of Disney deciding to shift the ‘GMA’ studio from Times Square to the new Walt Disney Co building in Hudson Square, New York in 2025 isn’t entirely welcomed by the staffers on the show.
A source close to Page Six said, “The talent and producers are not happy about it, and it leaves an advantage to Today,” indicating that the NBC show which also hosts Times Square will now boast an added advantage over its competitor.
‘GMA’ stars unhappy with the move from Times Square studio
The ABC network has been preparing to move the studio space downtown to the Big Apple's Hudson Square. Hudson Square is located downtown near SoHo and far from its current spot at the Crossroads of the World.
The insider told Page Six, “Part of moving to this very expensive building is they want GMA to give up the Times Square Studios lease”
The move to Hudson Square may lose a few fans who gather to watch hosts Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopoulos deliver the news through the window.
With ‘GMA’ gone from Times Square, its competitor ‘Today’ can build upon its profile of sending more anchors to talk to passers-by and create news.
The insider said that the new space may be in the basement and might not have windows or outdoor space.
“It may be in the basement!”, the insider told Page Six. However, the move isn’t supposed to take place until 2025.
“It’s the news business. Everyone’s focused more on tomorrow than next month,” the insider said.
They added, “The city is the set. It’s exciting that Disney is investing in a new state-of-the-art building, which will be great for the show.”
ABC issues a statement announcing GMA’s move to new space
The move to Hudson Square in New York City will bring producers, talent, and staff to work under one roof.
ABC News president Kim Godwin “tried to fight” the move, but was unsuccessful, another source told Page Six.
Godwin is prepping for a town hall meeting next month, and she’s expected to address the move.
Meanwhile, ABC issued a statement acknowledging ‘GMA’ move away from Times Square.
“Good Morning America’ is defined by the strength of our team in front of and behind the camera, the quality of our reporting, and the long, trusted relationship with our viewers. Moving all ABC News teams to our new state-of-the-art building was a strategic decision that will allow for more collaboration and innovation.”
The statement concluded, “GMA will regularly use locations in New York City and communities across America as a set.”
