SYRUPY SENDOFF FOR SAWYER
Don't give two hoots about Diane Sawyer's move from "Good Morning America" to "World News Tonight"?
Don't worry about it. Her "GMA" co-workers showered her with enough love Friday morning to warm chilly Times Square.
The tribute, which dominated the two-hour broadcast, was so syrupy it could sweeten your coffee for an entire year. Staffers broke into applause more than six times for video montages and over-the-top accolades that made it sound like Sawyer not only invented morning television, but daybreak, as well.
Her goodbye even sabotaged the weather reports as Sam Champion provided temperature updates from Sawyer, N.M., and Sawyer, N.Y.
The guests paying homage came out of nowhere (Jeremy Piven? Really?) while hubby Mike Nichols and former on-air partner Charlie Gibson were notably missing.
Not that there was much time for others to chime in as co-host Robin Roberts filled nearly every other minute singing her praises (that is, when she wasn't singing "Simply the Best" and "Circle of Life").
The highlight: A video version of "Build Me Up, Buttercup" performed by the staff, although in truth, it probably would have been more appropriate at an office party.
Then again, morning television is as ritualistic as going to work for many Americans, and for nearly 11 years, Sawyer has been an affable manager. Any other boss could only dream of such a sendoff.
