« 2009-2010 DMAs Announced | Main | Quincy Radio Station to Air Channel 5 »
Gibson to Retire, Sawyer Replaces
By Michael Page | September 2, 2009
Although this isn’t local news, it is a big change up on the national scene.
ABC’s Charles Gibson announced this morning that he will retire from ABC at the end of this year. Diane Sawyer, Charlie’s former co-anchor on GMA, will replace him as World News anchor beginning in January. Gibson has been the evening news anchor since 2006.
So, beginning in January, two of the three major broadcast evening newscasts will be anchored by women. Times are changing!
Topics: National | 24 Comments »
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
This gets me very angry. Yes, times are changing, but that doesn’t mean all reporters HAVE to be women! Look at 7News! It’s insane.
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Oh Come On Matt!! lol I think Sawyer was going to get the job back when CBS signed Couric…but they opted for Gibson.
Why didn’t they give it to Scott Wahle???? sorry couldn’t resist.
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Oh my, this is going to be a big loss. Charles Gibson, you will be missed a LOT! Thanks for everything you’ve done! You won’t be forgetten!
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I’m not surprised that Dian is getting the seat, she wanted that seat since Peter died. I’m surprised however that Charles is leaving so soon.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I saw ‘Glasses’ Gibson as a sneering, condescending elite who seemed to scowl down from his media pulpit. He had no appeal to me whatsoever, even though I’m sure he’ll be missed by many.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I think she’s great but at this rate male reporters won’t exist in about a year!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 am
“I’m Charlie Gibson and I hope you had a good day.” Well, that’s nice.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:04 am
Hey Chris, “sneering, condescending elite?” Sounds like Ed Harding to me!! By the way I had noticed that Eddy Boy was missing from the news for a few days following his gut wrenching fawning over the passing of the former senator. I was concerned that he might have jumped into the casket in a fit of despair and decided to join Teddy for eternity!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I think that when Diane Sawyer officially takes the chair, ABC World News Tonight is going to see a drop in the ratings, and NBC is going to see an increase.
Who would NBC use as a female evening anchor if they had to? They don’t have a Couric or a Sawyer at their network. Meredith Vierra, no! Ann Curry, although she does fill in for Williams, when I watch her on Nightly News she is too uptight. Wouldn’t make it. I think their only hope would be Amy Robach.
On the note of female anchors, I agree, they are taking over broadcast journalism. Nothing against woman, but looking at 7News, I think they’d have a better chance with a male/female anchor team.
Another thing I noticed….look at how WBZ, WCVB, and WFXT seem to swap reporters, if you will. David Wade and Bianca de la Garza leave 25 for 4 and 5. Randy Price leaves 7 for 5. Kim Carrigan and Gene Lavanchy end up at 25 for 7. Jon Keller ends up at 4 from 56. Sara Underwood ends up at 25 from 4. Mike Wankum goes from 56 to 5 and Frank Mallicoat goes from 56 to 25. Notice how none of these people end up at 7. I think 7 would be a much better station with anchors and reporters viewers are familiar with. I think they need to stop hiring these teenagers (I’m a teenager myself) and hire people who have a reputation here. They could have had Sara Underwood and Frank Mallicoat as their weekend anchor team. David Wade and Bianca could have been their morning team. I mean, I think that is what could make 7 at better, more watched, more credible station. Thoughts?
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I just may stop watching NBC nightly news and move to ABC. But I don’t know, because that’s what I said about Katie Couric.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Whats all the Fuss about ? Diane is a seasoned PErson she does a great job i Wish her the Very Best i know she will do the Job and do it Well .Welcome Diane ! Tom
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Charlie had a light side to him in the morning just as Katie did. Diane does as well… thats within the job description of the morning anchor on networks… who wants to wake up to Brian Williams, Peter Jennings, or Dan Rather/Walter Cronkite sternly reporting the news with little personal input or banter??
Just as Charlie and Katie have adapted, both to their own degree, Diane will adapt. Whenever she does 20/20 or Primetime specials she turns on the hardened journalist persona. She knows she needs to or she’ll more likely than not be shown the front door at ABC, especially after her reported displeasure at not receiving the nod for the chair after Peter’s death and then the incident involving Vargas and Woodruf.
The M.O. of morning and evening are totally different and require a seasoned journalist to adapt to them… I feel (and hope) Diane is able to do so.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Well, don’t forget now, Charlie occasionally subbed for the late and great Jennings. He had the evening news experience, as contrasted to Couric.
September 4th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Woops, also Diane Sawyer did work on PrimetimeLive and 20/20 t00.
September 14th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Channel 5 on the radio
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/09/12/taking_it_on_the_road/
September 14th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Thanks for pointing that out, I hadn’t seen it. I have just posted on it.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Diane Sawyer Is The Best Ever
December 11th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I just wanted to follow up on this story today.
This morning was Diane’s last morning on GMA, and it really was a special broadcast for anyone who watches the program regularly. Lots of flashbacks and emotion for sure. If you missed it, take a look at abcnews.com. I, for one, am sad to see the GMA team change. Not only is Diane headed for World News, but Chris is going to 20/20 as you probably heard.
I am not sure that George will be able to maintain the light, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere of GMA. I’m a little disheartened at the choice, and think he would be better used in his standard political capacity.
March 29th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Michael How Has George Stephanopoulos Done So Far On GMA! He Has Grown On Me
March 29th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Haven’t heard much either way. I’ll have an update on the Boston ratings soon I’m sure.
March 29th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Michael What Do U Think About Him As The Co-Anchor??
March 29th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Personally, not a huge fan. I’ll always view him as a political guy, not my “wake up” man.
March 30th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Michael
Who Is Going To Take Over For Kate Snow Has GMA Weekend Co-HOST???
March 30th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Hasn’t been announced yet.