People: Oct. 13, 1986

For better or worse, his warm, folksy presence helped soften the newsy face of post-dawn television, but in recent months the corridors at ABC's Good Morning America were rife with rumors that David Hartman was quitting or being fired because of deflated ratings and his inflated salary. Last week the network ended the suspense by announcing that Hartman will be developing special programs dealing with "important issues" and will be gradually phased out of G.M.A. "It's a turning point for me, personally and professionally," said Hartman. "Changing the focus of my work to prime time will allow me to be with...

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