The Un-Retirement Of Charles Gibson: 5 Surprising Ways The Legendary ABC Anchor Is Making News In 2025

The legendary broadcast journalist Charles Gibson, who anchored some of the most pivotal news programs in American history, is far from retired in December 2025. After stepping away from the anchor desk of *ABC World News* in 2009, the man affectionately known as "Charlie" has re-emerged in the public eye with fresh projects and candid reflections on his iconic 34-year career at ABC News, proving that a true newsman never truly leaves the job. His latest venture, a successful podcast, is keeping his voice current and relevant to a new generation. This deep dive into Charles Gibson's life and career provides the most up-to-date information on his current activities, his surprising pivot into the world of literature, and a look back at the enduring legacy of a man who was once the principal anchor for the network’s breaking news and election coverage.

Charles Gibson: A Biographical Profile and Career Snapshot

Charles deWolf Gibson, born on March 9, 1943, is an American retired broadcast television anchor, journalist, and podcaster. His career is synonymous with ABC News, where he spent over three decades, becoming one of the most trusted and recognizable faces in American journalism.

• Full Name: Charles deWolf Gibson
• Nickname: Charlie Gibson
• Born: March 9, 1943 (Age 82 in 2025)
• Education: Princeton University (A.B. in History, 1965)
• Career Start: 1965 (Writer for Newsweek magazine)
• Key ABC Roles:
  • Anchor, *Good Morning America* (*GMA*) (1987–1998; 1999–2006)
  • Anchor, *World News Tonight* (later *World News with Charles Gibson*) (2006–2009)
  • Principal Anchor for breaking news and election coverage.
• Retirement from ABC News: December 2009 (Succeeded by Diane Sawyer)
• Current Activity (2025): Co-Host of *The Bookcase* podcast.
• Spouse: Arlene Gibson
• Children: Two daughters, including Kate Gibson (Co-host).

The Unexpected Pivot: From World News to "The Bookcase"

Following his high-profile retirement in December 2009, Charles Gibson largely disappeared from the public eye, enjoying a well-deserved break after a 34-year tenure at ABC. However, the appeal of a new medium and a collaboration with his family successfully prodded him out of full retirement more than a decade later.

1. Co-Hosting a Literary Podcast with His Daughter, Kate Gibson

The most significant and current activity for Charles Gibson in 2025 is his role as co-host of *The Bookcase* podcast. Launched in 2022 and still actively producing new episodes in 2025, the show is a joint effort with his daughter, Kate Gibson. The podcast, produced by ABC Audio, is a stark departure from the high-stakes political and global reporting that defined his career. Instead, *The Bookcase* focuses on interviews with prominent authors, discussions about new literary works, and sharing favorite books of the year. This successful "un-retirement" project has allowed him to engage with a new audience and a topic he is passionate about.

2. Naming His Favorite Book of 2025

Further demonstrating his current relevance, Gibson made news recently by naming his favorite book of 2025. This annual tradition on *The Bookcase* podcast highlights the show's enduring success and Gibson's continued engagement with contemporary culture, a testament to his ability to adapt to new media formats even in his 80s. The podcast format allows Gibson to maintain his journalistic curiosity and interviewing skills in a more relaxed, long-form setting, a contrast to the tight, often combative, nature of broadcast news interviews.

A Legacy of Trust: Reflecting on GMA and World News

Charles Gibson’s legacy is built on his versatility and gravitas, making him one of the few anchors to successfully transition between morning news and evening news. His time at ABC News spanned major global events, from the September 11th attacks to key presidential elections.

3. The Iconic Status and the "Dickipedia" Comment

In recent interviews, Gibson has offered candid reflections on his "iconic" status, describing it as a "mixed bag." He humorously commented on the nature of his public persona, stating that his Wikipedia page felt "like Dickipedia," a reference to the former anchor of *World News Tonight*, Frank Reynolds, who was known for his colorful language. This self-deprecating humor shows a lightness and perspective gained in retirement. His long tenure as the co-anchor of *Good Morning America* (GMA) in two separate stints—first from 1987 to 1998, and again from 1999 to 2006—cemented his reputation as a warm, authoritative, and reliable presence. His move to *World News* in 2006, succeeding Bob Woodruff and Elizabeth Vargas, marked the pinnacle of his career, placing him as the face of ABC's flagship evening broadcast until his retirement.

4. Advocating for Literacy and Health

Beyond his podcast, Gibson’s retirement has been marked by a focus on advocacy. He has been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly advocating for literacy and getting kids to read, a natural extension of his *The Bookcase* project. He has also been a quiet advocate for cancer awareness, maintaining a light schedule that prioritizes service and family. His commitment to these causes underscores the enduring values he brought to the news desk: a focus on education, family, and community well-being.

5. The Enduring Influence on Broadcast Journalism

Charles Gibson’s career is a blueprint for the modern broadcast journalist. He navigated the shifting landscape of network news, maintaining an air of journalistic integrity and calm authority through decades of change. His ability to cover everything from light morning talk show segments to intense presidential debates, such as the 2008 election coverage, is a testament to his range. His time at ABC, which began in 1975, saw him cover major global conflicts and political crises. His successor, Diane Sawyer, went on to further cement the tradition of authoritative female anchors at the network, a transition that was handled with the utmost respect. Even in 2025, his voice and perspective are sought after, whether he is discussing political lessons learned or the importance of a good book. Charles Gibson's current work on *The Bookcase* with his daughter, Kate, is a beautiful final chapter to a storied career. It represents a shift from reporting on the world's biggest stories to celebrating the power of storytelling itself, ensuring his legacy as a trusted voice continues to resonate.

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