‘Good Morning America’ gains ‘Around the Horn’ host Tony Reali as contributor

What is it with “Good Morning America” becoming so involved in the sports word these days? First, there was the news that Michael Strahan was going to be adding the morning show to a roster that includes NFL broadcasts and also his “Live! with Kelly and Michael” show. Now, they’ve named a host of our personal favorite ESPN show (and maybe the only show we actually watch on ESPN, for that matter) to their social-media team.

In news first posted by The Hollywood Reporter, Tony Reali, known for muting various sportswriters across the country on “Around the Horn,” is going to be joining “GMA” later this year in a role as a social-media contributor. All morning shows are trying to up their social presence these days to accommodate technology. For example, just see what NBC has been doing with Carson Daly of “The Voice” as of late.

In a statement confirming the news, John Wildhack of ESPN had the following to say:

“Tony brings great energy, passion and creativity to his work, and he’s a big reason forAround the Horn’s success the past 10 years … We’re pleased he will continue as host of this signature ESPN show and have the chance to do even more as a contributor to ABC on GMA.”

There’s no doubt in our mind that Reali will do a great job for ABC, mostly because the success of “Around the Horn” is not a variety of sports-related subject that can be heard elsewhere. Instead, it is the implementation of humor, surprisingly nerdy references, and pop culture. He’s shown to be accessible to a broad market on there, and that will carry over.

This will bring a few changes to “Around the Horn.” The show will move to New York City after spending so many years set in Washington DC, and Reali will no longer hold his position as “Stat Boy” on “Pardon the Interruption.”

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