Diane Sawyer Leaving 'World News,' David Muir To Replace Her

All the talk is officially true — Diane Sawyer is stepping down from ABC's "World News." (Via U.S. Department of Defense / Cherie Cullen)

"We move now to the crisis boiling over in Iraq." (Via ABC)

Sawyer has been the anchor for "World News"  since 2009. David Muir is stepping up in her place. 

But the president of ABC says Sawyer's time with the network isn't up — she'll take on the title leader of ABC News programming.

"For many years to come Diane will be a driving force at ABC News with her exceptional storytelling genius. ... She is one of the giants of modern journalism." (Via ABC)

The network is nothing new for David Muir, as he's been the program's weekend anchor since 2011. (Via Mediabistro)

And he co-hosts "20/20," which he will continue to anchor with Elizabeth Vargas. 

There's been speculation and chatter of Sawyer's retirement from the anchor chair for a while now. (Via TV Guide, New York Daily News, The Huffington Post)

And according to TVNewser insiders, Sawyer had been talking about stepping down since late last year. 

Even though she's recently been beating NBC's "Nightly News" with Brian Williams in the ratings. (Via Zap2It) 

There aren't reports of any drama at ABC — seems 68-year-old Sawyer may have simply been looking for the chance to do more investigative work and special reports, an area ABC has seen a drop in with the departure of Barbara Walters.

The network also announced this week that "Good Morning America" host George Stephanopoulos has been promoted to lead special reports and breaking news as the chief anchor of ABC.

Muir will take over Sawyer's position on Sept. 2. His replacement for the weekend newscasts has not been determined.

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