Janai Norman, the weekend co-anchor for Good Morning America, is stepping away from the ABC show after her contract was not renewed, rekindling ongoing concerns about the treatment of Black women in journalism.
Norman, 36, shared the news in an emotional Instagram video on Friday, expressing heartbreak over the abrupt exit.
“I hoped that we’d have more time, and it’s been hard on me that our time was cut short. I have loved my job… it really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye,” Norman said.
Paula Lobo/ABC via Getty
The announcement came shortly after reports from the independent newsletter Status revealed that Norman’s contract had expired and would not be renewed, despite her being aware of the decision since early March.
A poignant social media reaction captured the sentiment of many fans:
“They will replace her with someone white. What a travesty!”
Norman’s departure follows a 15-year tenure at ABC, beginning with an internship at NewsOne in 2011. Over the years, she served as correspondent, co-anchor of World News Now and America This Morning, and helped launch the second hour of GMA on Saturdays in 2019.
Despite the heartbreak, Norman said she is looking forward to spending more time with her three young children, having worked weekends throughout their lives.
“So now, they get more of me and that is worth everything,” she said.
Norman’s former colleagues also voiced support. Kenneth Moton, her co-anchor on World News Now, tweeted:
“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎉 Proud of you @janai. ❤️ the work you put in. And what you accomplished. You survived. You thrived. Can’t 👏🏽wait 👏🏽for this next chapter…because it’s going to be…🔥💫.”
The situation highlights ongoing concerns over systemic inequities in media, particularly regarding Black women journalists and contract renewals.
