ABC News announced new roles for familiar faces including Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos and David Muir.
David Muir will become anchor and managing editor of World News starting September 2, 2014. Muir will no longer anchor World News on the weekends, but he will continue to co-anchor 20/20 with Elizabeth Vargas.
Muir will replace Diane Sawyer, who has anchored the program for nearly five years.
Sawyer will step aside from daily news, to anchor and produce television specials and conduct major interviews for all ABC news programs and platforms. It’s a role that appeared similar to one held by Barbara Walters, who retired in May 2014 but remained under contract to ABC.
“For many years to come Diane will be a driving force at ABC News with her exceptional storytelling genius,” said James Goldston, president, ABC News. “She is one of the giants of modern journalism. Her curiosity, passion and energy are unmatched, and I can’t wait to see where she’ll lead us next.”
George Stephanopoulos, who co-anchors Good Morning America and This Week, was named “Chief Anchor” of ABC News. He will handle special reports and breaking news, and he will lead the network’s election coverage starting with the 2014 mid-term election and continuing through the 2016 presidential election and beyond.
“The news division simply could not be in stronger hands with George in this new and vital role,” Goldston said.
