Out ABC Correspondent Gio Benitez Gets Weekend Slot

Self-professed gay geek and ABC News correspondent Gio Benitez is hoping to marry the two jobs he holds for the network.

"As the Disney unit's transportation correspondent, he has been close to the recent movement into private space travel. As a newly named co-anchor for the weekend edition of ABC's 'Good Morning America,' he will handle stories that draw out viewers' emotions and attention. He will continue to handle both roles," writes Variety.

Earlier in the day, the out Benitez was assigned to the team at the weekend version of "GMA," Variety wrote in a separate report.

"I'm a space geek," Benitez told Variety, "and I get to still keep on doing it."

His goal, according Simone Swink, the executive producer of ABC's A.M. flagship, is to be "the first civilian and journalist on whatever the first mission to Mars is. That will be our ongoing conversation for the next five years."

Benitez adds, "One thing I love to do is I love to examine the human condition, and there are so many ways to do that and so many different stories." He explains that he is excited to be able to "stretch into that territory."

Starting Saturday, Benitez joins the program's weekend broadcasts alongside current co-anchors Whit Johnson and Janai Norman.

"Benitez has been ABC News' transportation correspondent since 2020 and joined the division in 2013," reports Variety. "During his time at the network, he has covered such events as the Pulse nightclub shooting, El Chapo's underground escape from a Mexican prison and the Boston Marathon bombing. He also has a history of breaking exclusive investigative stories, and some have led to important safety recalls. Before joining ABC News in 2013, he was a reporter for WFOR-TV in Miami."

In a prepared statement, ABC News president Kim Godwin called Benitez "an intrepid journalist and talented anchor."

"His addition marks an exciting, new chapter for the best weekend morning program in the business fueled by the tireless work and dedication of co-anchors Whit and Janai, Simone and the team," said Godwin. "I look forward to Gio's unique energy and to Gio bringing more enterprise and feature reporting to the program."

Recently Benitez filled in for T.J. Holmes on "GMA 3: What You Need To Know" after a headline-making scandal involving Holmes and Amy Robach. The pair were also replaced today by DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim.

The 37-year-old Benitez was born in Miami to parents who emigrated from Cuba, US Weekly reports. He has worked at the network to broaden their Hispanic heritage issues.

He was also the host of Netflix's "I Survived a Crime" and filled in as host for a special season finale of "What Would You Do?" in 2020.

Benitez married the fitness instructor Tommy DiDario in April 2016. "Six years after you showed me it's possible to stop time, I love you more by the day. Happy Anniversary," the TV personality wrote via Instagram in April (2022) to celebrate their 6-year anniversary."

In 2022, he discussed his coming out in a video on National Coming Out Day (October 11) in a video for the network.

"You know, I was 24 years old when I came out to my mom. and when I first told her, I saw that she was really trying to understand it, but I didn't expect her to understand in 24 hours, what took me 24 years to understand. So I gave her that space and, guess what, she really started understanding really, really quickly. And now she is one of my biggest allies and supporters. So really just give yourself the grace of time and understand that it doesn't have to be rushed. You will know when it is right."

Check out pics from Benitez Instagram: