Exclusive
PITY PROJECT
Amy & TJ’s ‘sympathy grab’ podcast may alienate fans, not addressing their affair earlier was a big mistake, says expert
Amy and TJ could have engaged in a redemption journey, says pro
AMY Robach and TJ Holmes have been making a stab at a career comeback, after a year of nurturing their love life while out of work.
But a PR expert has warned the budding podcasters must step back and tone down their efforts to show genuine remorse.
9
9
Amy, 50, shared an video on Monday of her 2023 highlights.
The upbeat reel included clips of her and TJ, 46, laughing, drinking, and holidaying.
"BTS of our 2023, a year we didn't get to fully share with everyone and a year we mostly stayed away from social media," she captioned the clip.
She wrote at the end of the caption: “It's the lessons we've learned along the way.”
Crisis management expert said the couple must dial back on sharing personal content.
She claimed their podcast and constant romantic displays have started looking forced.
The podcast Amy & TJ launched in November when they returned to social media after a year.
The first episodes covered their relationship from before their affair was made public, plus how it impacted their kids.
Most read in Celebrity
Amy and TJ read they had drafted in 2022, explaining their relationship before it was outed.
"Maybe it would have been better if we had released the statements,"; said Amy during episode 3.
She claimed: "But we were trying to keep our jobs."
In an exclusive interview, told The U.S. Sun: “There appears to be a split in how people now view Amy and TJ since the podcast launched.
“To some, the move surrounding the release of the never-seen-before statements might look like they are reaching out for sympathy.
“They were trying to get people to believe they were about to go public with their relationship all on their own before the news broke.
“Amy and TJ now seem to be trying too hard to set things straight.
"Her New Year clip montage is a display that also might be too much for some.
“They may feel it is all a bit forced, as if Amy and TJ are trying too hard to prove that they’re a genuine couple.
“I recommend this couple dial back on sharing personal content and shift their emphasis to professional skills and journalism.
“This approach is likely to be more beneficial in maintaining audience interest.
"The allure of continuous personal stories often fades with time.”
9
Amy & TJ was launched under the couple’s new company, Banana Bean Productions LLC.
As reported by The U.S Sun, the former TV Hosts received a $50,000 sign-on bonus with iHeart media.
They would also do a 50/50 split in advertising revenue.
Beeching added: “The potential for financial success in podcasting for high-profile individuals like Amy and TJ is significant.
“This is if they can capitalize on their fame and attract substantial sponsorship deals.
“It would have been an opportunity that allows them to control their narrative, share their exclusives, and stay relevant.
“But this podcast may not necessarily guarantee them a new set of fans.
“It could initially attract a significant audience out of curiosity.
"Longevity will depend on the couple's consistent ability to provide engaging and authentic content.
“Here, the podcast could be seen as repetitive or overly self-indulgent, which could lead to listener fatigue.
“Amy and TJ should start using their journalistic skills to speak on different worldly topics to help avoid losing fans.”
9
The once-favorite daytime TV anchors were ousted from GMA3 in 2023. This came after their supposed affair hit the headlines in November 2022.
Amy and TJ were both married to other people. Amy to actor Andrew Shue, 56, and TJ to lawyer Marliee Feibig, 45.
Both have since divorced.
Since then, they have spent time vacationing and running marathons and have been spotted together in New York, Mexico, and Miami.
On the career front, the couple stayed silent only to head back to Instagram in November when they teased the podcast release.
They captioned their first post: "How's this for Instagram official? #silentnomore."
9
Beeching said: “Of course, transitioning from news anchors to podcast hosts is a significant shift.
“Any major change as a public figure comes with risks.
“Moving away from their established roles as serious journalists could risk alienating their existing audience, who may be fans of their work over personal life.
“It's all about rebranding themselves as wiser, more mature individuals.”
Beeching also suggested the couple needed to perhaps show responsibility for once.
“They could take responsibility, show genuine remorse, and then gracefully step back from the limelight to reflect, “ she said.
“They could engage in some redemption journey to suit the specific public figure.
9
“Amy could focus on rebuilding a professional image, highlighting her journalistic integrity and skills.
“Engaging in meaningful projects, public speaking on topics of expertise, and perhaps some charitable work could help re-establish her reputation.
“She must redefine her professional identity beyond the scandal and move on.
"TJ should also look to redefine himself.
“He could focus on issues related to personal growth and professional ethics.
"TJ could position himself as someone who has learned and grown from his experiences.
“He needs to rebuild trust with the public and can do so by aligning with causes or projects that emphasize integrity and resilience.”
9
Beeching added: “This couple's biggest mistake of all, though, was likely not addressing the situation head-on from the beginning.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“In crisis PR, timely and transparent communication is key.
“They allowed the media and public discourse to shape their story instead of taking control of it themselves.”
9
9
Topics