Charlie Gibson Passing ABC's 'World News' to Diane Sawyer

ABC's Charlie Gibson announced Wednesday that he is retiring as anchor of "World News" at the end of the year, and the network said Diane Sawyer will replace him. Sawyer will leave her position as co-host of ABC's "Good Morning America" in January. Gibson's program has been finishing second in the network news race behind NBC's "Nightly News" with Brian Williams.

In an e-mail announcing Gibson's retirement, ABC News President David Westin thanked him for his "enormous contribution" to the network and for stepping in after longtime anchor Peter Jennings passed away in 2005. "I have told him that he has an open door to continue to work with ABC News, but he's asked for a bit of time before he comes back to us," Westin added.

"I have told David I would like to continue in some capacity, contributing occasionally to ABC News," Gibson said, also in an e-mail. "He has been receptive to the idea -- and we will be discussing what that role might be. Most importantly, my heart is full of gratitude for those with whom I have had the privilege to work as a correspondent. . . . In the meantime, let's get back to the news."

For details: "ABC'S Charles Gibson Leaving 'World News' " [Politico]