‘GMA’ executive producer out at ABC

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The longtime executive producer for ABC News‘ top rated “Good Morning America” departed the network unexpectedly April 15, 2021.

The network confirmed Michael Corn’s departure but did not give a reason for him leaving and Corn reportedly was involved in operations as of Thursday morning, according to L.A. Times sources.

Corn’s leaving comes just one day after ABC announced the hire of Kim Godwin, a former lieutenant at CBS News, in the role of president of the Disney owned network’s news division, though it is not clear if the two events are linked.

Corn could not be reached for comment either by The Times.

GMA” is said to be the biggest revenue generator for ABC News (just like “Today” is at NBC). The show has made significant inroads against “Today,” the perennial morning ratings leader for years, to emerge on top, a big win for ABC.

However, revenue data shows that “GMA” generates about $350 million in revenue a year, compared to “Today” at $408 million.

Morning shows are typically key in keeping broadcast network news divisions profitable and even viable. Despite having the honor of being the “signature” newscast, “NBC Nightly News” brings in about $146 million a year, for example, though it’s also on for about 30 minutes instead of “Today” and its four hours, according to an internal sales presentation NBC News obtained in 2019.

“Good Morning America” airs for only two hours (three if you count “GMA3: What You Need to Know” in the afternoon).

“Nightly,” another longtime dominant leader, has also fallen compared to “ABC World News Tonight,” though both NBC’s morning and evening newscasts often win in key demos over ABC, which may at least partially explain the revenue differences.