Biography of sam champion abc news
Sam Champion is an American meteorologist and television personality who has been a prominent figure in the field of weather forecasting for over three decades. Here is a brief biography of Sam Champion:
Early Life and Education:
Sam Champion was born on August 12, 1958, in Paducah, Kentucky. He grew up in a family of modest means and developed an interest in weather at an early age. Champion attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology in 1980.
Career:
Champion began his career in television weather forecasting in 1981 at WTVQ-TV in Lexington, Kentucky. He worked as a meteorologist and weather anchor for several years before moving to WPLG-TV in Miami, Florida, in 1985. At WPLG-TV, Champion became known for his accurate and engaging weather forecasts, and he quickly became a popular figure in the Miami television market.
In 1995, Champion joined ABC News as a meteorologist and weather anchor for the network's flagship morning program, "Good Morning America." He worked alongside anchors Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos, and became a staple of the program's weather segment.
Champion's work at ABC News earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. He was also named one of the "Most Influential People in the World" by TIME Magazine in 2013.
Personal Life:
Champion is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He has been involved with several charitable organizations, including the Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.
In 2013, Champion married his partner, Rubem Robierb, a photographer and artist. The couple has been together for over 20 years and has a son, Jackson, who was born in 2015.
Awards and Recognition:
Throughout his career, Champion has received numerous awards and recognition for his work in weather forecasting and journalism. Some of his notable awards include:
- Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program and Outstanding Weather Anchor
- Peabody Award for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina
- Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for his coverage of Hurricane Sandy
- National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Lifetime Achievement Award
Legacy:
Sam Champion is widely regarded as one of the most respected and beloved meteorologists in the United States. His dedication to accurate and engaging weather forecasting has made him a household name, and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has inspired countless individuals around the world.