Jim Lehrer Vacating 'NewsHour' Anchor Chair After 36-Year Run

By PopEater Staff Posted May 12th 2011 10:52AM

Jim Lehrer announced on Thursday morning he's leaving the anchor desk of PBS' nightly 'NewsHour' program after a record 36 years at the helm, according to the show's blog and The Washington Post.

The 76-year-old journalist said June 6 would be his last day, but that he would continue returning to the show on Fridays to host a news panel. He is the longest serving news anchor in TV history.

"I have been laboring in the glories of daily journalism for 52 years ... 36 of them here at the NewsHour and its earlier incarnations," he told his staff. "There comes a time to step aside from the daily process, and that time has arrived."

Lehrer teamed up with Robert MacNeil in 1975 to create 'The MacNeil/Lehrer Report,' a half-hour news program that 8 years later became 'The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.' In 1995, MacNeil departed and it became Lehrer's show to run.

The title was shortened to 'PBS NewsHour' in 2009 when they added a multi-anchor format that included Jeffrey Brown, Gwen Ifill, Ray Suarez and Margaret Warner and Judy Woodruff.

PBS brass have had nothing but fine things to say about the immensely respected Lehrer, praising his leadership.

"I am grateful to Jim for the extraordinary contributions he's made to public television," said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. "Jim has built a talented team and we're very proud to be the home of PBS NEWSHOUR. As Jim begins the next chapter of his career, we are grateful for his ongoing leadership and his continued presence on Friday nights."

Aside from being out front at 'NewsHour,' Lehrer is also known to millions of Americans as a go-to moderator of Presidential debates and the author of at least 20 novels and a couple memoirs.

Tags: Jim Lehrer, NewsHour

Comments

(8)

Thursday 12 May

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Good Ridance!!!

By wadisplace

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It will be sad to see Jim Lehrer go. He is one of the great ones. I remember as a teenager in 1978, watching him on TV with Robert MacNeil. But time marches on like a soldier on a never ending journey. I hope he enjoys his well earned Retirement.

By Chuck

Given the intellectual standards of this country, he'll probably be replaced by Kim Kardashian or Snooki.

By rusgc

News Hour is the only news program on TV. "Liberal bias" charge is ridiculous. They have real discussion and the discussion panels always include speakers for both sides of a discussion. Leher is an ultimate professional but the other news people on PBS are also very good. Intelligent and don't need teleprompters to conduct an interview. When was the last time there was an intelligent, in depth discussion of anything on FOX, CNN, etc.?

By Jeb Ladouceur

Good luck to Lehrer!
May I suggest the widely respected Neal Gabler as his successor?
Sincerely,
Jeb Ladouceur, Smithtown, Long Island

Wednesday 18 May

By Claire Sheehan

I have enjoyed listening to Mr.Lehrer for many a year. His News Hour was always informative and without all the hype of the other services. I will miss him but hope that he will take time to enjoy his retirement and enjoy his family and surroundings even more. I shall certainy be watching on Friday nights. Continued Good Luck and God Bless.

By Marge

I have always watched the PBS Newshour. Members of both parties liked to be on the show because they knew their conversations would not be interruped.
No yelling, no cussing, no calling people names, no cutting someone off in the middle of a sentence.
It is where the news is told from all points of view, and they let the viewers make up their minds about the topic.
Jim will be missed, but Newshour will go on.

By keith

DO Let the door hit you on the way out. Hopefully it will knock some sense into your old a**.

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