After 22 years as anchor of CBS Sunday Morning, Charles Osgood announced this morning his final broadcast would be Sunday, Sept. 25. “Some of you may have heard rumors lately that I won’t be hosting these Sunday Morning broadcasts very much longer,” Osgood said. “Well, I’m here to tell you that the rumors are true.”
CBS will honor Osgood’s 45-year career at the network on his final Sunday Morning with “surprise guests, interviews, comments from well-wishers and special performances.”
“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,” said CBS News president David Rhodes. “His impeccable commitment to quality inspires all of us at CBS News.”
In his on-air announcement, Osgood said many had asked him why he kept at it for so long:
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.
“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,” said CBS Sunday Morning executive producer Rand Morrison. “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.”
Osgood will continue being “seen” on CBS Radio, hosting his long-running “The Osgood File.”