Robin Roberts to Host ABC's First-Ever Live Coverage of THE NFL DRAFT

"Good Morning America"'s Robin Roberts will host ABC's opening night presentation of the 2019 National Football League Draft, live from Nashville, THURSDAY, APRIL 25 (8:00-11:30 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network and via streaming. Roberts will host the prime-time broadcast of Round 1, joined on a separate set by co-host Rece Davis and the crew from "College GameDay Built by The Home Depot." She made the announcement today on "Good Morning America."

As part of her host role, Roberts will conduct interviews from an ABC set located on Broadway in the Music City. Additionally, she will highlight the prospects selected by NFL teams during the Draft. Roberts will be reporting live from NASHVILLE for "Good Morning America" on April 25.

"As a former college athlete and devoted football fan, I am thrilled to host such an exciting event that honors the hard work and talent of student athletes," said Roberts. "I'm looking forward to working with my ESPN colleagues again and watching dreams come true!"

For the first time ever, ABC will broadcast all three days of THE NFL DRAFT in 2019, including back-to-back nights live in prime time, adding to the continued coverage on ESPN and NFL Network. ABC will provide differentiated coverage that focuses on THE JOURNEY of THE NFL DRAFT prospects, as viewers go up close and personal to understand the part their families play in their success and the hard work involved in attempting to become an NFL DRAFT selection. ABC coverage will feature Roberts, ESPN's "College GameDay" team and other special guests.

"The only thing better than broadcasting THE NFL DRAFT on ABC is having Robin Roberts co-host the first of three live installments of this pinnacle event for the upcoming football season," said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night, ABC Entertainment. "She is a master at her craft and will be a resonating voice that brings life to the stories of this year's crop of talented athletes and the families that support them."

Added Stephanie Druley, executive vice president, Event and Studio Production, ESPN, "Robin is a natural storyteller who always elevates coverage of big events, which makes her ideally suited to host ABC's opening night of THE NFL DRAFT with our 'College GameDay' team. Robin excels at connecting the audience with her interview subjects, and our presentation will give fans a closer look at the experiences of the athletes and their families as they accomplish the dream of MAKING IT to the National Football League."

Roberts is no stranger to ESPN and the NFL. The award-winning anchor and host started her national broadcasting career as a "SportsCenter" anchor. At ESPN, she covered THE NFL DRAFT and was a regular contributor to "NFL PrimeTime." Roberts has continued to work with ESPN through the years at THE ESPYS Awards, the Special Olympics World Games and more. Under her leadership, "Good Morning America," has won several Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Morning Program and the 2017 People's Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team.

As previously announced, the 2019 NFL DRAFT will air on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network, April 25-27. This is the 40th consecutive year ESPN will televise THE NFL DRAFT and the first year ABC will serve as the event's exclusive broadcast home.

Schedule:

Thursday, April 25 (8:00-11:30 p.m. EDT): NFL Draft, Round 1 - ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio

Friday, April 26 (7:00-11:30 p.m. EDT): NFL Draft, Rounds 2 and 3 - ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio

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