Lisa Mcree Abc’s New Morning Hope

Mon., Sept. 8, 1997

Kinney Littlefield The Orange County Register

Wanted: new golden girl for local news. Former girl gone to glory at “Good Morning America.”

Today, Lisa McRee, former news anchor at KABC/7, goes national as co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America” with Charles Gibson. McRee, 35, succeeds Joan Lunden, 46, co-host of “GMA” since 1980.

The stakes are high for McRee and ABC. “GMA’s” ratings faded last season against “Today.”

For the ratings during the week of Aug. 11, “Today’s” ratings among TV viewing households were up 7 percent from a year ago, while “GMA’s” were down 7 percent. Third-place “This Morning” on CBS was up 5 percent. ABC undoubtedly hopes the transition from older blond beauty to younger one will revitalize “GMA.”

Meanwhile, Lunden will maintain an ABC presence, doing occasional prime-time news specials.

McRee, who was at ABC previously as co-host of “World News Now,” said she is planning to ease gently into Lunden’s seat.

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