Diane Sawyer begins at ABC’s World News
NEW YORK (AP) — Diane Sawyer follows quickly on the heels of Charles Gibson’s retirement to launch a new era as anchor of ABC News’ flagship evening newscast on Monday.
Sawyer’s debut means women now hold two of the three top jobs on what have always been considered the most prestigious newscasts on broadcast TV. Three years ago, CBS’ Katie Couric became the first woman to hold the job by herself.
ABC has deliberately downplayed the transition on World News. The show’s top producer promised minor changes to accompany Sawyer, including the show’s first update of on-air graphics in five years and a greater concentration on chat with correspondents to go with Sawyer’s more conversational style.