Fan mail address
Good Morning America
ABC Television Complex
147 Columbus Ave.
6th Floor
New York, NY 10023-6503
USA
Address information
ABC Television Complex
(TV Studios)
147 Columbus Ave.
6th Floor
New York, NY 10023-6503
USA
Phone: (212) 456-5900
Good Morning America (GMA) first aired on ABC on November 3, 1975, marking a fresh approach to morning television by blending news, interviews, and entertainment into a dynamic format that distinguished it from traditional news programming. Initially, ABC News hoped GMA would break NBC’s Today Show dominance, bringing a friendly, conversational style that became its signature. Hosted by David Hartman and Nancy Dussault, the program combined hard news with features on pop culture, lifestyle, health, and human interest stories.
Hartman’s warm persona and conversational interviews made him a staple for viewers, especially when paired with features that resonated with families and individuals preparing to start their day. The show gained traction when Dussault was succeeded by Sandy Hill, who brought her unique style, fostering an approachable, accessible vibe. Unlike other news programs that focused heavily on hard-hitting news, GMA presented the headlines alongside entertainment and light-hearted segments, which appealed to a broader audience.
In the 1980s, GMA’s format gained massive popularity, partially due to the addition of weather anchor Spencer Christian and medical contributor Dr. Timothy Johnson, who introduced health as a regular segment. ABC executives quickly noticed a positive trend as GMA’s ratings began challenging NBC’s Today show. Joan Lunden replaced Sandy Hill in 1980, forming a beloved partnership with David Hartman, which would become a pivotal point in GMA’s rise. Lunden and Hartman’s natural chemistry and warm on-air personalities resonated with viewers across the United States.
