FULL TEXT E-MAIL: Charles Gibson Steps Down From 'World News'

ABC News' Charles Gibson has announced he'll leave 'World News' at the end of the year. 'Good Morning America' co-anchor Diane Sawyer will anchor the broadcast beginning in January 2010.

(ABC)

Diane Sawyer to Anchor 'World News'

ABC News President David Westin sent the following email to ABC News staff announcing Charles Gibson's retirement from ABC News and the broadcast he anchors. Westin also formally names "Good Morning America" co-anchor Diane Sawyer as the new anchor 'World News' starting in January 2010.

Today, Charlie Gibson announced to his colleagues at World News that he has decided to step down as anchor effective at the end of this year. I attach below Charlie's full email.

I have asked Diane Sawyer to serve as the next anchor of World News, and she will assume that position in January.

Charlie and I have been talking about his decision for several weeks, and he has persuaded me that this is both what he wants and what is best for him. I respect his decision, just as I respect the enormous contribution he has made to ABC News through the years.

Related

WATCH: Charlie's Run-in With the Cops

WATCH: Gibson: Who Is Barack Obama?

WATCH: Gibson Interviews Palin (Part 1)

Most recently, he stepped in to lead World News after a difficult and turbulent time – both for the broadcast and for ABC News over all. We suffered from the loss of Peter and then the severe injuries to Bob. Charlie came to the fore to keep us on the path of doing the first rate journalism that had distinguished World News for many years. We owe him much for the leadership he gave us when we needed it most.

Since then, Charlie has covered all the major events with the substance and grace that we all expect from him. Most importantly, he headed our coverage during a presidential election unlike any other. Now, having accomplished so much in so many different parts of ABC News, Charlie has decided it is time for him to step down. I have told him that he has an open door to continue to work with ABC News, but he's asked for a bit of time before he comes back to us.

Diane Sawyer is the right person to succeed Charlie and build on what he has accomplished. She has an outstanding and varied career in television journalism, beginning with her role as a State Department correspondent and continuing at 60 Minutes, Primetime Live, and Good Morning America.