Charles Osgood to retire as anchor from ‘CBS Sunday Morning’

NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (UPI) — Charles Osgood has announced he is stepping down as anchor of CBS Sunday Morning after 22 years.

Osgood’s 45-year career at CBS News will be celebrated during his final broadcast as anchor of the program on Sept. 25. The special, 90-minute edition of the show will “include surprise guests, interviews, comments from well-wishers and special performances,” the network said in a press release this weekend.

He will continue as the anchor of The Osgood File, his daily news commentaries broadcast on the CBS Radio Network and stations around the country, and will also make occasional appearances on CBS Sunday Morning.

“Some of you may have heard rumors lately that I won’t be hosting these Sunday Morning broadcasts very much longer,” Osgood said on this weekend’s edition of the program. “Well, I’m here to tell you that the rumors are true. For years now people — even friends and family — have been asking me why I keep doing this considering my age. I am pushing 84. It’s just that it’s been such a joy doing it! Who wouldn’t want to be the one who gets to introduce these terrific storytellers and the producers and writers and others who put this wonderful show together. I want to thank all of them and all of you in our still-growing audience for your support and encouragement. It’s been a great run, but after nearly 50 years at CBS, including the last 22 years here on Sunday Morning, the time has come. The date is set for me to do my farewell Sunday Morning. It’s September the 25th, after which you can still see me on the radio. The Osgood File continues.”

“Charlie is not just beloved by our viewers. He’s beloved by all of us who work each week crafting the stories we put on the program,” added Rand Morrison, executive producer of CBS Sunday Morning. “Working with him truly has been an honor, a privilege and a joy. We look forward to paying tribute to him and his legendary career in September — and, of course, seeing him on the radio.”

“Charles Osgood has one of the most distinctive voices in broadcasting, guiding each broadcast, making sure the words were just right, and being a calming, reassuring presence to our viewers,” remarked David Rhodes, president of CBS News. “His impeccable commitment to quality inspires all of us at CBS News.”