Sam Champion leaving 'GMA' for Weather Channel

Veteran weatherman with ABC for 25 years, 'GMA' for 7 years

NEW YORK – "Good Morning America's" weatherman, Sam Champion, is leaving ABC for The Weather Channel.

Champion confirmed the report Monday through Twitter saying, "Only an amazing opportunity like this at weatherchannel cld take me away from my ABC family of 25 yrs and GMA."

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According to ABC News president Ben Sherwood, Champion will "become the on-air face of the network, appearing as a host and serving as managing editor."

Champion has been the weather anchor at GMA since 2006.  The show has been the No. 1 morning show in more than two years thanks in part to his chemistry with co-hosts Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer.

The Weather Channel is part-owned by NBCUniversal.  He may pop up on the "Today" show occasionally and will continue to host his other show, "Sea Rescue."

Champion will be back on GMA Tuesday and will sign off Wednesday.

Ginger Zee is slated to replace Champion as 'GMA' weather anchor.