Perennial Substitute Renounces Spotlight

On Wednesday, ABC World News Anchor Charles Gibson announced his resignation. Officially, he will depart December 21. “The program is now operating at a very accelerated, but steady, cruising speed and I think it is an opportune time for a transition — both for the broadcast and for me,” he said. “Life is dynamic; it is not static.”

Good Morning America Anchor Diane Sawyer will supplant him. “Diane is one of the hardest-working people I know and this new assignment is the latest achievement in an already accomplished and illustrious career,” said CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric. “And as I did, I'm sure that she'll quickly find that she doesn't miss that early morning alarm clock.”

Gibson’s legacy is conflicted. In 2005, he should have succeeded Peter Jennings. Instead, Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff were selected. Gibson exuded gravitas and intellect. He should have been a cornerstone. Unfortunately, he never earned an iconic status.