Diane Sawyer, one of the most watched newscasters in the world, announced via Twitter today that tonight she will be signing off of ABC’s “World News” for the last time.
See you tonight for my last night anchoring @ABCWorldNews – great adventures ahead !
— Diane Sawyer (@DianeSawyer) August 27, 2014
The ABC News veteran helmed the show for five years since she took over for Charles Gibson in 2009. While the news seems sudden, Sawyer did mention this past June that she was arranging plans to step down for a new role at the network.
The show’s current weekend anchor David Muir will step into Sawyer’s former role while George Stephanopoulos will cover breaking stories as the network’s “chief anchor.”
According to ABC News president James Goldston, Sawyer had been looking for a new role at the network since “the end of last year” and has plans to remain at the network for “many years to come.”
Sawyer released a statement saying, “I can’t wait to continue bringing more of my specials to prime time and appearing on all ABC News broadcasts, as well. And to my friends and colleagues George and David – congratulations. I look forward to exciting work together and great times ahead.”
The news was confirmed by “World News” via Twitter.
The entire staff wants to say THANK YOU @DianeSawyer, before her last night anchoring #ABCWorldNews. This is from us: http://t.co/SdWkQHxRGB
— ABC World News (@ABCWorldNews) August 27, 2014
