Diane Sawyer To Leave ‘World News’, David Muir To Take Over
In an announcement just posted to ABC News’ website, the network news division said “World News” anchor Diane Sawyer will step down from her position later this summer.
The announcement comes about a year and a half after the network denied reports of Sawyer’s impending retirement, according to a previous Inquisitr report.
Sawyer, who has been the anchor and managing editor of the network’s signature evening news program since Charlie Gibson’s retirement in 2009, will move into a new role anchoring and reporting specials for ABC, the announcement said.
“Sawyer, who has led ‘World News’ since 2009, will begin her new role on Sept. 2 leading ‘a team which will create and commission original reporting, big ideas and interviews,’ [ABC News President James] Goldston said.
“‘Diane’s incredible work on Hidden America and her masterful interviews with Gabby Giffords, Malala Yousafzai and recently Hillary Clinton bring great distinction to the entire news division,’ Goldston said. ‘Her curiosity, passion and energy inspire us all. Diane is one of the giants of modern journalism, and we can’t wait to see where she’ll lead us next.'”
With Sawyer stepping away from the anchor desk, “World News” weekend anchor David Muir is set to take over the network’s signature news program, according to Goldston.
Muir taking over the weeknight program does not leave “Good Morning America” and “This Week” anchor George Stephanopoulos without a promotion, too, Goldston said in the announcement.
While Muir will be tasked with the day-to-day anchoring duties on “World News,” Stephanopoulos will anchor breaking news and other events as the network’s new chief anchor.
“‘There is simply no better political journalist on television today,’ Goldston said. ‘That is why George will once again lead our election coverage starting with the mid-terms this Fall and onwards to the 2016 presidential race and beyond. The news division could not be in stronger hands with George in his new role.’
“Stephanopoulos, who was a key player in helping to drive ‘Good Morning America’ forward to No. 1, will continue to anchor the show, along with ‘This Week,’ which has moved into its best competitive position in a generation.”
The move of Muir to weeknights and Stephanopoulos staying on his current programs while anchoring breaking news could be Sawyer’s choosing if the website Showbiz Spy is to be believed, which reported what a source said were her wishes back in December 2013.
“David has been the anchor of the weekend edition of World News, and he frequently substitutes for Diane. When George fills in for Diane, the ratings actually go down, and you can’t argue with the numbers.”
[Image via WAPT-TV 16]
