Sam Champion jumps from ‘Good Morning America’ to Weather Channel

The Weather Channel has wooed Sam Champion away from “Good Morning America” for an on-air and executive role for the cable network.

Champion, who has been the weatherman for ABC’s top-rated morning show since 2006, will anchor a new morning show for the Weather Channel that is scheduled to debut in early 2014.

The Weather Channel also named Champion managing editor of the network, which will give him a significant role in the channel’s news operations and strategy.

Mornings are usually when the Weather Channel has its largest audience. While no time has been announced for Champion’s show, it is expected to run from 7 to 10 a.m.

Champion’s arrival won’t affect Al Roker, the “Today” weatherman who has a show on the Weather Channel that runs from 5:30 to 7 a.m.

ABC News President Ben Sherwood said in an internal memo that ABC’s meteorologist Ginger Zee will take over for Champion.

“Ginger always rushes straight toward the eye of any storm and weaves cutting-edge science with human emotion to elevate our coverage,” Sherwood said.

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