Deborah Roberts Named Co-Anchor at ABC News’ ’20/20′ (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comBrian Steinberg Senior TV Editor Deborah Roberts is taking up co-anchor duties at ABC News’ “20/20,” the latest in a line of distinguished anchors that includes Barbra Walters, Hugh Downs, Diane Sawyer, Connie Chung and Elizabeth Vargas who have led the long-running newsmagazine.
Roberts is no stranger to the series’ rhythms. She has been contributing to it for 28 years, ever since she joined ABC News in 1995, recruited by Barbara Walters.
She will co-anchor the program with David Muir, who has been with the series since 2013. “Deborah brings her love of storytelling, her deep commitment to the truth, and most of all, her humanity to everything she does,:” says Muir. “I cannot wait to stand beside her on ‘20/20.'” Roberts believes her new role will give her a new sense of belonging to the series’ staff, particularly as ABC News has been working to expand how “20/20” is consumed by its audience. “Once you have really planted yourself firmly into a program like this as I have over the years, you look for more,” she tells Variety in an interview.
By making the move to co-anchor, she adds, “you always feel like you have a little more ownership of a program, and more of a say in what it’s all about.” “Deborah Roberts is one of a kind — a first-class journalist who brings heart, authority and integrity to every story she covers,” says Kim Godwin, president of ABC News. “Along with David Muir, she embodies the DNA of ‘20/20,’ inspiring the team and people around the world with every thoughtful word, inspiring report and impactful interview.” Roberts takes up a role that was previously held by Amy Robach, who left ABC News earlier this year in a strange episode that involved her relationship with colleague T.J.
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