NEW YORK — After nearly 50 years with CBS News, “Face the Nation” anchor Bob Schieffer announced on Wednesday that he would be stepping down from his post this summer.
Schieffer, 78, has been with CBS News for 46 years, and has moderated the network’s Sunday morning public affairs talk show for the past 24 years.
In addition to his role at “Face the Nation,” Schieffer is also the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News.
Schieffer announced that he would be moving on from the news business during a symposium at Texas Christian University.
“Because this is where my professional career began, this is where I wanted all of you to be the first to know, this summer I am going to retire,” he said, according to CBS.
“It’s been a great adventure … I’m one of the luckiest people in the world, because as a little boy, as a young reporter, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I got to do that,” Schieffer added.
Schieffer was speaking at the annual “Schieffer Symposium” at his alma mater TCU.
Soon after the announcement, Twitter was abuzz with congratulatory messages for the “Face the Nation” host.
“Bob Schieffer represents the very best of CBS. Such an amazing career, a great journalist and a wonderful man,” tweeted “60 Minutes” Executive Producer Jeff Fager.
“.@bobschieffer is a legend; can’t imagine a news world without him — his wit, his sage, his BS detector and even his purple socks — in it,” CNN’s Jake Tapper added on Twitter.
Schieffer is one of the most revered reporters in CBS history. He has won multiple awards, including eight Emmys, and interviewed every president since Richard Nixon. Most recently he interviewed President Obama in November.
Praise for the anchor extended even to political figures. Sen. John McCain, a frequent guest, lamented Schieffer’s departure.
“Sunday mornings won’t be the same w/out @bobschieffer on @FaceTheNation,” McCain tweeted. “Look [forward] to sitting across from best in business a few more times!”
“Face the Nation” celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.
