THR's 35 Most Powerful People in Media

Unlike most of her on-camera peers, whose personal lives and emotions are stoically guarded, Roberts, 51, is an open book about the struggles she has faced.

PHOTOS: THR's 35 Most Powerful People in Media

“My father died, my hometown was decimated by Hurricane Katrina, I had cancer, I’ve cried and ripped off my wig on the air. And hosting ABC’s Oscars’ red-carpet show was no picnic either!” says the down-to-earth anchor, a former college basketball player who has been on GMA since 2005. “It’s made me very approachable. People see me as a friend, and I really own that.”

The former ESPN anchor’s reputation as morn- ing news’ most empathetic ear helped net her an exclusive in July with Dominique Strauss-Kahn accuser Nafi Diallo, during which the hotel maid broke her silence about the former IMF head’s alleged sexual attacks on her.

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“All she wanted was the chance for a jury to listen to her,” says Roberts. “It made worldwide headlines, and people kept asking, ‘Do you believe her?’ and I said, ‘It doesn’t matter!’ ”