Charles Gibson announces retirement
Image: ABC News
Charles Gibson, who has worked for ABC News for 34 years and currently anchors “World News” has announced that he will retire at the end of this year. At age 66, the former Congressional correspondent and co-host of “Good Morning America” will retire. Charles Gibson said:
“It has not been an easy decision to make” Gibson said in his email to colleagues. “This has been my professional home for almost 35 years. And I love this news department, and all who work in it, to the depths of my soul.”
He didn’t really give a reason for why he is leaving “World News” and bringing his career to a close, but if I had to guess I’d say it’s because he is old. Given his position, he probably has plenty of money to live off of for a while, without even needing a low rate personal loan.
Diane Sawyer to take over “World News”
The new “World News” anchor will be “Good Morning America” host Diane Sawyer. There’s no official word yet on who will replace Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America,” but rumor has it that Elizabeth Vargas, one-time “World News” anchor and current “20/20″ anchor, is a serious candidate.
Diane Sawyer previously was anchor on “60 Minutes” and “Prime Time Live.”
Charles Gibson’s 35-year career
Charles Gibson first started working for ABC News in 1975. At that time, he was a political reporter. He covered the House of Representatives and the White House, and served as a reporter for “World News with Peter Jennings.”
From there he moved on to host “Good Morning America” before ending up in his spot on “World News,” which he took over in 2006. Charles Gibsaon moderated the 2008 Democratic debate in Philadelphia, and he was first to interview Sarah Palin after it was announced she’d be John McCain’s running mate.
Charles Gibson family life
Now that Charles Gibson is retiring, perhaps he will spend more time with his wife, Arlene, his two daughters, Jessica and Katherine, and his grandchild.
Want to check out Charles Gibson’s Facebook page? Who doesn’t? I have to warn you, though, he has not updated his status since March. Of 2008.
Charles Gibson’s goodbye e-mail
The e-mail that Charles Gibson wrote informing his coworkers of his decision has been published all over. Here it is:
I have always been taught you should never bury the lead _ so I write to tell you that I have told David Westin I want to step down as anchor of World News, and retire from full time employment at ABC News.
It has not been an easy decision to make. This has been my professional home for almost 35 years. And I love this news department, and all who work in it, to the depths of my soul.
I have received much comment, and quite a few emails and letters referring to the signoff Eddie Pinder convinced me to use – wishing that everyone has had a good day. But the proudest part for me has been saying “…for all of us at ABC News…”, since those words signify in my mind that I have been in a position to speak for an entire news department that I consider second to none.
It had been my intention to step down from my job at Good Morning America in 2007 but with Peter’s illness, Bob’s injuries, and Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the job at World News came open in May of 2006, and David asked me to step in as anchor. It was an honor to do so. The program is now operating at a very accelerated, but steady, cruising speed, and I think it is an opportune time for a transition _ both for the broadcast and for me. Life is dynamic; it is not static.
I have told David I would like to continue in some capacity contributing occasionally to ABC News. He has been receptive to the idea – and we will be discussing what that role might be.
Charlie Gibson will be greatly missed.
Charlie will be missed but I think Diane will be a great replacement.
All I can say about charles Gibson is this,When Peter Jennings died,it was Charles should have been promoted to the anchor position!When ABC finally came to their senses and did promote him,he brought me back to ABC World News Tonight.
Enjoy your retirement Charles,you most certainly deserve it!
I will miss Charlie Gibson, he is a god looking guy. Charlie enjoy yur retiremt, I just come back from the city of Cusco – Peru where I visited Machupicchu, is one of the pretiest places on earth, you should go there and visit the place on your retiremt !
Best wishes!!!
Charlie -
No one was happier than me when you became anchor. However, you have not lived up to your job as being a someone who brings us the news and lets us determine what we think. I’ve listened to you every night and have been so disappointed in your reporting – what about Acorn, what about Van Jones, your interviews with George is so scripted I know what each is going to say before you say it. I’m so sorry that you are ending your career on this note, but I think you need to think about your responsibility to the many people who listen to you – you have NO been totally truthful and reported the news both ways – I guess money talks and you have to say what your network says. At least that’s what I want to believe – I’ve always been your fan, I can’t believe that you think this reporting has been fair – we have always celebrated our freedom of the press -this HAS been a great tradition in America. You report and the American people decide – I hope and pray that we can get back to that. Have a good retirement.
2nd to none to Walter
I used to admire Charlie Gibson. He’s lost my admiration due to his biased view and reporting. Most recently when he said yesterday that he was not aware of the ACORN controversy and the Anti-Government Spending march in Washington DC. Whether he was in agreement or opposition to what happened, to say he was not familiar of it is a cop-out or at best a thinly-veiled opposition. Charlie, best wishes to your retirement but I thought you did a pretty poor job responding to the question re ACORN and the march. It was not the mark of a jounalist professional.
Thank goodness Charlie is going to retire.
A so called “journalist” who doesn’t even know about a HUGH story concerning the obscene corruption that has been uncovered in Mr.Obama’s supporters, the Accorn group, is pathetic.
What an embarrassment to hear Charlie told about this in the interview when he is considered the “chief” journalist of ABC news.
How sad it is to know that “brains full of mush” are being brain washed by the socialist, government run media.
Goodbye to Charlie and hopefully the rest of the pathetic “journalist” like him.
Charlie – You will be greatly missed by many, especially me. ABC new has been slowly losing my patronage and one you are gone so am I. Why Diane Sawyer? Elizabeth Vargas seems to be under punishment for having a baby!!!! She would be much better and definitely has the most experience. I stopped watching GMA when Diane arrived and now I will be watching another channel for my wold news. I know you like her Charle but she doesn’t come close to Elizabeth Vargas.