Central Michigan University

• Sawyer to take the reins at 'World News'

Topics in this story: Arts and entertainment, College of Communication and Fine Arts, News tips and sources, School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Diane Sawyer has been pegged to take over for Charlie Gibson when he retires from ABC's "World News" at the end of this year, which will put women in solo anchor positions of two national network evening newscasts. Central Michigan University School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts faculty member Rick Sykes is available to comment on the significance of this appointment.

Sykes' initial thoughts on the subject:

• "Sawyer's appointment represents the continuing change in the perceptions by network news executives of the ability of a woman to successfully anchor a major network news program on a regular basis.
• "We have moved from a major fight when ABC paired Barbara Walters with Harry Reasoner in the 1970s to this announcement about Diane Sawyer taking over the evening news desk without a lot of fanfare."

Sykes is knowledgeable in almost every area of broadcast journalism, including news writing, editing, reporting and studio camera operation. He is the faculty adviser to CMU's award-winning student television station and has broadcast news experience in both Saginaw and Detroit.

Contact:
Heather Smith
989-774-1702
heather.smith@cmich.edu