ABC News Staffers on Edge as Network Prepares to Move to NYC ‘No Man’s Land’
ABC News’ highly-anticipated move to Hudson Square in downtown Manhattan is causing a stir among its employees, who have dubbed the area no man’s land. Uncertainty and chaos surround the move, with many staff members still in the dark about the logistics.
It’s all a chaotic mess. People are still in the dark about the move, a source revealed.
Despite the company’s insistence that the popular show Good Morning America would also be relocating, some insiders believe it will continue shooting in the iconic Times Square indefinitely. In fact, ABC has reportedly extended its lease at Times Square Studios for GMA and is firmly planning to stay.
The decision not to abandon prime real estate in Times Square comes as third-place morning show CBS Mornings gains traction, leading insiders to question ABC’s move. The fear is that ABC may lose its competitive edge by leaving Times Square.
Aside from the GMA concerns, there are also anxieties among staff members regarding the availability of office space at the new facility. It is said that there won’t be enough room, as the network plans to create a space without individual offices. The news division has allegedly lost an entire floor in the process, intensifying the problem.
In addition, it appears that parent company Disney may not have adequately considered the location’s impact on breaking news coverage. The absence of intense conversations with all parties involved has left employees questioning what will happen during situations like Holland Tunnel traffic jams.
Several popular talk shows, including The View, Tamron Hall, and Live with Kelly and Mark, are set to make the move over the summer during their hiatus. These shows are expected to return with big fall premieres in the new studio. However, shows like GMA, World News Tonight, and New York’s local news, ABC 7, are rumored to be transitioning in spring 2025, after the elections. Allegedly, these shows will shoot in studios located in the basement of the new building, potentially facing challenges with noise from the subway system.
Employees are hopeful that veteran Disney executive Debra O’Connell, who is taking over the news division, will provide more clarity and answers regarding the move.
For numerous employees, leaving behind ABC News’ current headquarters on West 66th Street cannot come soon enough. The building, which Disney sold in 2018 but continues to rent, is reportedly plagued with issues such as a noxious smell resembling a sewer, toilets that rarely function properly, and an overall disgusting environment.
ABC News spokesperson Jeannie Kedas has yet to comment on the situation.
As ABC News prepares for its move to Hudson Square, employees are left on edge, uncertain and frustrated by the lack of information. The decision to keep Good Morning America in Times Square and the concerns about adequate office space at the new facility are just some of the challenges facing the network. However, with the leadership of Debra O’Connell, staff members hope for a smoother transition and a more promising future in their new location.
