Sam Champion, who has been serving as the resident weatherman on ABC’s Good Morning America since 2006, is departing the network for The Weather Channel.

Sam Champion Departing ABC, 'GMA'

Champion has worked at ABC in some capacity for the last 25 years and has been a part of the cast of hosts at GMA that has seen the morning show topple longtime leader – NBC’s Today. In addition to covering the local and national weather forecasts on GMA, Champion has also traveled the globe to report on natural disasters and other weather-related news.

Sam Champion Joining The Weather Channel

Leaving ABC News wasn’t an easy decision for the veteran weatherman to make, but one he felt was right for him. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to do what I love most at a network that lives and breathes the weather,” Champion said in a statement. He also spoke about the upcoming move on Twitter.

On The Weather Channel, Champion will serve as an on-air host, an anchor for a new morning program and the network’s managing editor. The Weather Channel’s new morning program, which will span multiple hours, is slated to debut sometime in early 2014.

Ginger Zee Taking Over For Sam Champion

Taking up Champion’s post on GMA and his role with ABC News will be meteorologist Ginger Zee. “As you know, Ginger always rushes straight toward the eye of any storm,” said ABC News President Ben Sherwood in a memo. “And weaves cutting-edge science with human emotion to elevate our coverage.”

Zee has taken to Twitter to share both her excitement at moving into Champion’s position at ABC and her thanks for his guidance while she served as GMA's weekend meteorologist.

For his new gig on The Weather Channel, Champion will be relocating to Atlanta. His last day on Good Morning America will be on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

– Chelsea Regan

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