Diane Sawyer plans to retire from anchoring ABC’s World News, and will be replaced at the post by 20/20 anchor David Muir.

Diane Sawyer Leaving ABC 'World News'

While Sawyer is leaving World News, she’s not leaving ABC altogether. The longtime TV journalist will now focus her energies on creating new programming for the network. She’ll also be back at the news desk anchoring new TV specials she produces and conducting interviews.

“For many years to come Diane will be a driving force at ABC News with her exceptional storytelling genius,” said ABC News President James Goldston in a memo. “She will create innovative television specials and events, and, of course, continue to conduct the biggest interviews with the most important and extraordinary people in the world. Starting this summer she will begin to develop these new stories.”

In a statement, Sawyer said, “After wonderful years at World News I decided it is time to move to a new full time role at ABC News. I’ll be joined by an incredible team of journalists dedicated to enterprise reporting, innovative approaches to breaking news and new ways of thinking about big issues and events around the world. I can’t wait to continue bringing more of my specials to prime time and appearing on all ABC News broadcasts, as well.”

Sawyer has anchored World News for the last five years and is leaving at the peak of its ratings success. In addition to taking on the role of World News anchor, Muir will also serve as the managing editor. He'll take over from Sawyer starting Sept. 2.

In other ABC News, Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos has been promoted to the newly created title of Chief Anchor of ABC News. As the Chief Anchor, he’ll take the lead on breaking news and special events on ABC.

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