ABC News Studios sets up non-fiction unit under ‘Good Morning America’ co-anchor Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts

ABC News Studios in the US is launching a new production unit led by Robin Roberts, the TV presenter and co-anchor of Good Morning America.

The new unit will produce original non-fiction content, including specials, series and documentaries for ABC Network, Hulu and Disney+, beginning with a one-hour special of news magazine programme 20/20 in which Roberts interviews actor, director and producer Kerry Washington.

The show, Kerry Washington: Thicker Than Water – A Conversation With Robin Roberts, which airs on 24 September, will feature the star discussing intimate details of her life for the first time, including her childhood, acting career and activism, and a family secret that turned her world upside down.

The new production unit is “actively commissioning and developing projects”, and serves as an expansion to Roberts’ existing production portfolio, which includes Rock’n Robin Productions ― the full-service company that launched in 2014.

“I’m thrilled to now have a home within ABC News Studios to produce projects I really care about,” said Roberts. “This production team will be focused on heartfelt storytelling that reveals the mosaic of humanity.”

Jonathan Blakely will serve as executive producer of the unit, reporting to the head of ABC News Studios, Mike Kelley, while Katie Conway will be senior producer, overseeing development and production from Los Angeles. Producer Danielle Genet and production coordinator Kayla Simmons will also join the unit.

“Robin’s unique brand of storytelling infuses heart and soul into everything she does,” said Kelley. “I couldn’t be more excited about the projects this unit will produce, which I know will enrich the lives of our viewers.”