Charles Gibson to Step Down as ABC's World News Anchor

In replacing Charles Gibson, Diane Sawyer will become the second woman to assume the high-powered chair at a network newscast. You will know who the first was; that would be Katie Couric, and that "experiment" has not been all that successful.

Ironically, Charles Gibson left Good Morning, America in 2006 for the World News slot, and Diane Sawyer will do the same. This will produce a sizeable GMA void, which will need fast filling.

Charles Gibson will step down in January. He approached ABC News President David Westin about two months ago and said he was strongly considering stepping down.

Westin said he never considered anyone but Diane Sawyer to replace Charles Gibson. Sawyer was also a contender for the anchor post in 2006, as well. Sawyer agreed to take the job Tuesday night.

Since the networks changed their anchors, NBC's Brian Williams has been the leader in the ratings for all but a short period when Charles Gibson's World News broadcast became No. 1. Katie Couric has remained in third place the entire time.