Charles Gibson to Leave ABC's World News

Diane Sawyer will take over as nightly news anchor in January
By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 2, 2009 11:09 AM CDT
Charles Gibson to Leave ABC's World News
In this Oct. 24, 2008 file photo, TV journalist Diane Sawyer attends the Friars Club Roast of host Matt Lauer in New York.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)

Charles Gibson will step down as ABC’s World News anchor at year's end, and Diane Sawyer will take the top slot, Broadcasting & Cable reports. In an email to the staff, Gibson explains that he had earlier hoped to retire from his post at Good Morning America in 2007, but "but with Peter's illness, Bob's injuries, and Elizabeth's pregnancy," he was asked to anchor World News in 2006. He plans to continue contributing to ABC News.

"The proudest part for me has been saying '...for all of us at ABC News...', since those words signify in my mind that I have been in a position to speak for an entire news department that I consider second to none," wrote Gibson. "The program is now operating at a very accelerated, but steady, cruising speed, and I think it is an opportune time for a transition - both for the broadcast and for me. Life is dynamic; it is not static." (More Charles Gibson stories.)

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