After nearly five years reporting for "World News," Diane Sawyer has decided to leave her anchoring desk.
ABC News announced Wednesday that Sawyer will leave "World News" in September and will be replaced by David Muir. The 68-year-old TV journalist will continue working with network on "new programming" that tackle bigger issues and will continue to interview "the most extraordinary people in the world."
"After wonderful years at 'World News' I decided it is time to move to a new full time role at ABC News," Sawyer said in a statement. "I'll be joined by an incredible team of journalists dedicated to enterprise reporting, innovative approaches to breaking news and new ways of thinking about big issues and events around the world."
She added: "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."
Muir has acted as a substitute for Sawyer on "World News" and has traveled around the country for his "Made in America" series. He will continue reporting the news on "20/20" with co-anchor Elizabeth Vargas.
Muir will officially replace Sawyer as anchor and managing editor of "World News" on September 2.
"On this incredibly humbling day, I think of the 12-year-old boy with a dream of being a reporter and seeing the world. I never could have imagined seeing that world with Diane Sawyer," Muir said. "On this day I thank her for not only setting the bar for the rest of us, but for being a trusted friend. I cannot wait to begin this new adventure with Diane and with George, whose political brain power and endless curiosity inspire me, and drive us all to be better every day."
James Goldston, ABC News president, announced that "Good Morning America" co-host, George Stephanopoulos, had been named chief anchor of ABC News and will soon begin taking the lead coverage of "special reports and breaking news."
"We have an extraordinary team of anchors who are gifted storytellers and uniquely skilled broadcasters," Goldston said in a statement. "For years to come, they will inspire us all to do our best work and set a high bar for excellence to inform, empower and inspire our viewers."
Stephanopoulos will also remain on "Good Morning America" while performing his newly appointed duties.
In a separate statement Stephanopoulos said, "Getting the chance to do work you love-work that touches people's lives every day-is one of life's greatest privileges. Even luckier is when you get to do that work with the best in the business - Diane, David and our entire ABC News team. It's an honor to be part of that team. I can't wait to build on our success - and bring our viewers our best - for years to come."
