George Stephanopoulos has signed a new multi-year contract with ABC News, ending recent uncertainty over his future at the network. This ruling follows a legal settlement involving former President Donald Trump.
Stephanopoulos, a veteran anchor known for co-hosting “Good Morning America” and “This Week,” will keep his essential roles. According to sources, the new deal was finalized separately from the $16 million settlement with Trump, which Disney CEO Bob Iger approved.
The settlement included a $15 million gift to the Trump Presidential Foundation and Library and $1 million in attorney’s fees. This legal disagreement stemmed from a March interview in which Stephanopoulos said Trump had been found accountable for “rape” in a defamation case, which prompted the lawsuit.
Tim Richardson, PEN America’s program director for Journalism and Disinformation, noted that such lawsuits are part of a “weaponized lawsuits” trend aimed at intimidating journalists and decreasing accountability.
Many ABC News officials were reportedly astonished by the settlement. Some others think the network could have successfully defended itself in court. A deal was struck just before Stephanopoulos and Trump were scheduled to give depositions.
Despite the uproar, Stephanopoulos’ new contract provides stability for ABC’s morning newscast, which features notable people such as Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan. This renewal comes when morning news dynamics are altering, as other networks, notably CBS, have recently extended contracts for their anchors, including Gayle King.
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Stephanopoulos renewed his contract in 2021, reiterating his dedication to ABC during a difficult time defined by legal and ratings concerns.
