Diane Sawyer Leaving 'World News,' Replaced By David Muir

Diane Sawyer is stepping down as the anchor of ABC's "World News," the network announced on Wednesday. She will be replaced by David Muir, the program's weekend anchor, in September. In addition, George Stephanopoulos was given major new responsibilities and named the network's "chief anchor."
Sawyer has been the anchor of the network's flagship program since late 2009. Muir has been weekend anchor since 2011. He is also co-anchor of "20/20."
Sawyer will now "concentrate full time on new programming," producing specials and doing interviews, ABC said.
ABC News president James Goldston told staffers in a note that Sawyer had been having discussions about a new role for herself since "the end of last year," and vowed she would stay with the network "for many years to come."
In a statement, Sawyer said, “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."
Stephanopoulos will anchor breaking news and be the leading face of ABC's election coverage starting with this year's midterms in November. Those roles typically go to the anchor of the evening news, but Stephanopoulos is staying at "Good Morning America" and "This Week." The two men had long been seen as vying to succeed Sawyer, and the network appears to have resolved that issue by splitting up her role between them.
Under Sawyer's tenure, "World News" came within striking ratings distance of its chief competitor, "NBC Nightly News"; in recent months, Sawyer has often beaten NBC's Brian Williams in the key A25-54 demo. Williams has remained in first place overall, however.
ABC also combated charges that Sawyer had steered the newscast in a softer direction.
Sawyer's departure means that, once again, all three main evening news broadcasts will be anchored by white men.