TVNewser has received a statement from Katie Couric, the first woman to solo anchor an evening newscast, about the retirement of Charlie Gibson and the naming of Diane Sawyer as just the second woman to solo anchor a weekday evening newscast as she takes over ABC’s “World News” in January.

Ever since my days as a desk assistant at ABC News, I’ve always admired Charlie’s work. He’s a talented reporter, a gifted communicator, and a wonderful person. I wish him all the best.
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. And as I did, I’m sure she’ll quickly find that she doesn’t miss that early morning alarm clock.