As Good Morning America (GMA) prepares to relocate to a new headquarters,
its staffers have been left to work in subpar conditions at the show’s former Upper West Side office, according to reports.
The building, which has housed ABC News since the 1980s, is reportedly in a severe state of disrepair, raising concerns about employee well-being and workplace functionality.
Sources told Page Six that the aging facility lacks essential amenities such as consistent heating and reliable Wi-Fi.
The situation has been exacerbated by maintenance issues, including an incident where an antenna was torn off the building and left unrepaired.
Staff members have described the environment as “musty” and even foul-smelling, painting a bleak picture of the workspace they are enduring during the transition.
A Billion-Dollar Move, But At What Cost?
Despite the deteriorating state of the old headquarters, Disney, which has owned ABC since 1995, has continued to lease the property while preparing for the move to a newly constructed 22-story facility in Hudson Square. ABC sold the existing building for nearly $1 billion, but the lack of maintenance has raised questions about its decision to keep staff in a location that is visibly falling apart.
A source told Page Six that since the new owners plan to demolish the building and replace it with high-rises, there is little incentive for upkeep. This has resulted in ongoing issues such as broken elevators and escalators, further adding to staff frustration. One insider described the building as “falling apart” and predicted it could soon be condemned due to extensive neglect.
In 2023, conditions worsened when a mouse infestation forced employees to avoid the fifth floor entirely. These ongoing issues have made the transition period increasingly difficult for the GMA team, leaving many eager to move into the new facility, which is expected to house all staff by February.
Ratings Struggles Add to Uncertainty
While GMA staff deal with substandard working conditions, the show itself is also facing challenges. Ratings have experienced a sharp decline, leading to internal discussions about necessary improvements. Executive Producer Simone Swink reportedly acknowledged the drop in viewership during a staff meeting, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the show’s struggles.
The decline has caught the attention of top Disney executives, including Debra O’Connell, head of the network’s news division, and Almin Karamehmedovic, ABC’s recently appointed president. However, insiders remain hopeful that Swink can turn things around. One source noted, “Simone is beloved. She is one of the hardest-working people in television and saved [GMA] from hemorrhaging more viewers. There is no one who knows morning television better than her.”
Anchor Absences and Controversy Fuel Decline
Amid the ratings slump, some critics point to the show’s leading anchors—George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, and Michael Strahan—as contributing factors. The trio reportedly receives up to 100 days of leave per year, leading to frequent absences that create a sense of inconsistency for viewers.
Strahan, in particular, has faced recent controversy for his decision not to participate in the national anthem during a Fox Sports segment on Veteran’s Day. The backlash from the incident further damaged GMA’s reputation, with some questioning the impact on audience trust.
The network is also still grappling with the fallout from the highly publicized affair between former anchors Amy Robach and TJ Holmes. Their departure created a talent void that has yet to be fully addressed, further complicating GMA’s efforts to stabilize viewership.
Competition from Today
Adding to GMA’s challenges is its ongoing struggle to keep pace with Today, its primary competitor. For four consecutive weeks, GMA has trailed Today in both overall viewership and the coveted 25-54 demographic that advertisers prioritize.
Reports suggest that Karamehmedovic is dissatisfied with GMA’s current format and is considering potential changes. While his background is rooted in hard news, applying that approach to a morning show presents unique challenges.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current turmoil, GMA staff are hopeful that the move to a modern headquarters will mark the beginning of a turnaround for the show. With an improved work environment and potential format adjustments on the horizon, executives and employees alike are eager to stabilize the program and recapture their audience.
However, questions remain about how leadership will address the ongoing talent concerns and whether their strategies will be enough to compete with the dominance of Today. As the February relocation deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how Good Morning America navigates this critical period in its history.
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