Diane Sawyer Leaving ABC's 'World News'

After nearly five years as anchor of World News, ABC's flagship evening news program, Diane Sawyer has announced that she will be leaving in order to "create and commission original reporting and major interviews for all ABC News programs and platforms." However, Sawyer will continue to occasionally anchor and produce television specials, in addition to conducting interviews, since the gaping hole left by Barbara Walters isn't going to just fill itself. David Muir, current anchor of ABC's popular news magazine 20/20, will replace her effective Sept. 2. Muir will also serve as managing editor of World News, which should make him a much busier man.

ABC News President James Goldston confirmed Sawyer's exit in a public memo:

"For many years to come Diane will be a driving force at ABC News with her exceptional storytelling genius. She will create innovative television specials and events, and, of course, continue to conduct the biggest interviews with the most important and extraordinary people in the world. Starting this summer she will begin to develop these new stories."

Sawyer added her own thoughts in a statement: "After wonderful years at World News I decided it is time to move to a new full time role at ABC News. I’ll be joined by an incredible team of journalists dedicated to enterprise reporting, innovative approaches to breaking news and new ways of thinking about big issues and events around the world. I can’t wait to continue bringing more of my specials to prime time and appearing on all ABC News broadcasts, as well."

So while Sawyer is leaving the acnhor's chair, she's not really leaving (because the more things change...). With that said, this is good for ABC. Sawyer is a fairly respected name in journalism, and it certainly won't hurt ABC News to continue to have a familiar face around. Now, if we could only get Hugh Downs back (what? I have a soft spot for the man!)...

Via: Entertainment Weekly

Credit: ABC