David Westin To Step Down From ABC News

The President of ABC News, David Westin, announced yesterday that he is leaving the network after 13 years on the job. Westin said he simply would like to move on to other opportunities.

“I’ve always admired those few who know when it’s time to move on,” Westin wrote in a staff memo that was given to The Associated Press by a staffer. “This is the right time for me.”

Westin, 58, oversaw the network through enjoyable and challenging moments alike. ABC’s morning and nightly newscasts remained a steady second place to NBC during Westin’s tenure. However, the sudden death of longtime anchor Peter Jennings and the severe injuries suffered by reporter Bob Woodruff in Iraq marked doubtless low-points during the past decade.

Westin will stay at the network until the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, names his successor…