Charles Gibson will step down as anchor of ABC News' "World News" at the end of 2009, and current "Good Morning America" anchor Diane Sawyer will take over as "World News" anchor in January.

Gibson, who has anchored “World News” since May 2006, had been expected to retire in the not-so-distant future, though the timing of Wednesday’s announcement caught most in the biz by surprise.

Charles Gibson of ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson," is shown in New York on Jan. 18, 2008. Gibson will retire at the end of the year and ABC News on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, appointed Diane ...

News ABC newsman Charles Gibson retires today from World News Updated: Dec. 18, 2009, 6:12 p.m. | Published: Dec. 18, 2009, 5:12 p.m. By Associated Press ...

NEW YORK (AP) — The final glimpse of Charles Gibson found him at his "ABC World News" anchor desk, surrounded by dozens of applauding co-workers. He applauded back.Signing off from ...

NEW YORK -- Charles Gibson, who provided a steadying hand to a "World News" broadcast reeling from tragedy, will retire at the end of the year and ABC News appointed Diane Sawyer on Wednesday to ...