FROM STAFF REPORTS

Charles Gibson of ABC News announced Wednesday morning that he will retire as anchor of “World news Tonight” at the end of the year, and Diane Sawyer will replace him.

Gibson sent an email to his “World News” colleagues Wednesday morning announcing his decision.

“It has not been an easy decision to make,” Gibson wrote in the email. “I love this news department, and all who work in it, to the depths of my soul.”

ABC News President David Westin officially named Diane Sawyer as the new anchor. Sawyer will take the helm of “World News” starting in January.

Before being named “World News” anchor in 2006, Gibson was a co-anchor on “Good Morning America” with Sawyer. He has worked at ABC News for nearly 35 years.