Charlie Gibson, anchor of "ABC World News," has signed off for the last time, ending 34 years at the network. Diane Sawyer will take his place on “World News,” the second-place network evening newscast, on Monday. With that, for the first time, two of the three broadcast networks will see their news anchored by women.
In a brief farewell statement, Charlie Gibson said: “It’s hard to walk away from what I honestly think is the best job in the world. But my parents taught me you should understay, not overstay, your welcome. And there is so much to do. In the years I have left, I don’t want to miss any of it.”
Charlie Gibson is 66. He announced his desire to leave and retire months ago.
Charlie Gibson first joined ABC in 1975. Since then, he has served as co-host of "Good Morning, America," twice. He was an anchor of the "Primetime" newsmagazine, and he had numerous assignments as a correspondent. He had anchored "ABC World News" since 2006.
However, when it is said he anchored "ABC World News" since 2006, what is meant is since 2006 he has been allowed to focus solely on that newscast. Always the steady trouper, after "World News" anchor Peter Jennings died from lung cancer, in 2005. and with Jennings' co-successors both forced to give up their roles at the anchor desk (Bob Woodruff as a result of grave injuries while on assignment in Iraq, and Elizabeth Vargas due to pregnancy), Charlie Gibson stepped in. For several weeks, he did double duty. In the wee hours of the morning, he was on "Good Morning, America," and then at dinner time on "ABC World News."
For viewers, the final glimpse of Charlie Gibson found him at his “ABC World News” anchor desk, surrounded by a crowd of applauding co-workers, as he applauded back. Charlie Gibson's last goodbye was a take on his normal sign-off. “I hope you’ve had a good day,” he said. “I’ve had so many good days here.”
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
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