Mediaite founder and former MSNBC host, GM and NBC legal analyst Dan Abrams is joining ABC News.
As we reported in January, Abrams will become a legal analyst for “Good Morning” America, while also serving as a substitute anchor on the weekend edition of the program, and contributing additional pieces.
The ability to work on stories that are not just law-related was part of the reason why Abrams jumped to ABC, someone familiar with the matter tells TVNewser. The move also reunites Abrams with ABC News president Ben Sherwood, who he worked with when they were both at “NBC Nightly News.”
“I’ve known Dan since the start of his successful network career,” wrote Sherwood in an email to staff this morning. “An insightful lawyer, he is also a high-impact broadcaster, commentator, analyst and entrepreneur.”
Abrams’ first appearance will be tomorrow.
Sherwood’s note, and a quote from Abrams, is after the jump.
From Abrams:
I am thrilled to be joining ABC News and to be re-joining Ben Sherwood who produced (and umm fixed) my first scripts and stories when I began my career as a correspondent at NBC News. Leaving my friends and colleagues at NBC and MSNBC is the most difficult professional decision I have ever had to make and I will forever the cherish the opportunities, both on air and off, that NBC provided me. The expanded
role that I will have at ABC and the privilege of getting to work with Ben Sherwood again made this opportunity the perfect fit for this point in my career. I can’t wait to get started.
From Sherwood:
From: Sherwood, Ben
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 10:24 AM
To: #ABCTV News ALL
Cc: Sweeney, Anne X.
Subject: Dan AbramsI’m writing to share good news:
Dan Abrams is joining ABC News in a variety of roles.
First and foremost, Dan will work as the Legal Analyst at Good Morning
America. In addition, he will contribute pieces to GMA on many subjects and
will occasionally substitute anchor on GMA Weekend.I’ve known Dan since the start of his successful network career. An
insightful lawyer, he is also a high-impact broadcaster, commentator,
analyst and entrepreneur.Dan is joining our formidable legal team including 20/20 anchor and Chief
Law and Justice Correspondent Chris Cuomo, Nightline anchor and Supreme
Court correspondent Terry Moran and our Senior Justice Correspondent Pierre
Thomas.ABC News distinguishes itself everyday in this important area and Dan will
make our team even stronger.Please join me in welcoming Dan and his considerable talents to ABC News.
Ben