A few weeks ago I blogged about Charlie Gibson’s departure from ABC’s “Good Morning America” and his new appointment as the sole anchor of “World News Tonight.” Now, weeks after beginning his new job, ABC has finally gotten around to changing the name of the newscast to reflect its new anchorman. “World News Tonight” is now officially “World News with Charles Gibson.”
“He’s our anchor that’s provided us with stability and momentum, so it’s only right that the broadcast bears his name,” the show’s executive producer said.
Gibson joked that his former ABC home would be renamed as well: “They’re gonna call it ‘Good Morning America without Charlie Gibson.'”
ABC News executives say the name change not only signifies the change in anchors, but also its venture into the digital realm, including an afternoon webcast. “’World News’ is not on only at night anymore,” said the show’s executive producer. With a webcast downloaded up to 2 million times a week through the Internet and iTunes, a network blog updated throughout the day and Gibson’s participation in a radio news broadcast, ABC news can be accessed 24 hours a day.
The name of the broadcast has evolved over the years. In 1978 ABC named the evening newscast “World News Tonight.” Back then; Frank Reynolds, Peter Jennings and Max Robinson anchored the show. In 1984 it became “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” The network dropped Jennings’ name after his death from cancer in August 2005. Later the anchor team of Bob Woodruff and Elizabeth Vargas was appointed, but very briefly. Months after the duo started their team anchoring Woodruff was injured covering the Iraq war and Vargas stepped down because of pregnancy. The broadcast was never named “World News Tonight with Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff.” ABC is now hoping that the current name is one that will not need to be amended anytime soon.