Where Are They Now? Former News Anchors of 9 & 10: The Fates of Television’s Last News Frontline Titans

In the evolving landscape of broadcast journalism, few professions retain the gravitas and public trust anchored by the golden era of network news—now chronicled and reexamined in the “Where Are They Now?” series focusing on former anchors of ABC’s 9am and 10am weekday slots. These journalists once commanded the nation’s attention daily, shaping how millions began their day. As generations of broadcasters age, their stories reflect both the enduring power and shifting realities of legacy news media.

This deep dive explores their lives, careers, and legacies—where did they go, what have they done since stepping down, and what insights their journeys reveal about media transformation.

The Salt of the Air: Iconic Voices of mornings Past

For years, broadcasters at the top of ABC’s morning schedule—most prominently at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.—became fixtures of American households.

Their faces and voices symbolized reliability, professionalism, and a quiet authority that anchored morning routines. Among the most notable from this era were Diane Sawyer, Peter Jennings, Charles Kuralt, Bill Linden, and Martha Vorse—each a pillar of briefing excellence in their distinct style. Now, more than two decades after their prime on-air roles, what paths have they carved?

Peter Jennings, the legendary anchor and managing editor of ABC World News, defined national nightly journalism during his decades at the helm. After retiring from full-time broadcasting in 2005, Jennings shifted to a full-time role as ABC News Senior International Correspondent, a move that kept him visible but removed him from the daily morning spotlight. An influential figure in global reporting, Jennings continued contributing in high-profile roles until health challenges led to his passing in 2009.

His legacy endures as one of the most authoritative voices in American news, a bridge between traditional reporting and modern multimedia storytelling. Charles Kuralt, the soul of public radio and frequent contributor to ABC’s news programming, retired from regular on-air duties in the early 2000s but never fully stepped away from journalism’s pulse. Best known for his humanistic profile pieces on “Nationwide” and his deep rural American perspective, Kuralt published books and hosted podcasts well into his 90s, maintaining a presence that merged nostalgia with enduring insight.

His slow departure from active broadcasting contrasts with the relentless pace of network news, underscoring a personal choice to redefine influence beyond the screen. Hours later, Martha Vorse—long the steady presence at 10 a.m.—ceased daylight broadcasts with quiet dignity. Though her public profile dimmed post-Anchorman’s era, Vorse embraced community journalism and volunteer work, including roles with local news initiatives and senior citizen media projects.

Her later years reflect a quiet persistence beyond network glare, reinforcing a model of service over spectacle. Other stalwarts like Bill Linden—longtime supplement to Jennings at 9 a.m.—maintained behind-the-scenes editorial work and sporadic public appearances, quietly shaping morning content even after stepping from daily rotation. Linden’s enduring involvement in training journalists and contributing analysis ensures his expertise remains embedded in ABC’s institutional memory.

From Set to Strategy: Post-Anchoring Careers and Roles

The transition after a network anchor’s departure varies widely, shaped by personal drive, health, and institutional support. For Diane Sawyer—who left her primetime anchor role at ABC in 2009 but continued anchoring high-impact national broadcasts—her post-9/10 trajectory emphasized narrative depth and leadership. After anchoring “Good Morning America” and leading “ABC World News,” Sawyer ascended to become editorial director and later dispatching topical reports from conflict zones and global crises, blending frontline journalism with strategic oversight.

Her career evolution highlights how key anchors often pivot from star presenter to influential editor and public diplomat, preserving their impact through new domains. Similarly, Gwen Ifill, though best known in later years at PBS’s “PBS NewsHour” and “Washington Week,” rose from ABC’s news studio in the broader broadcast ecosystem, illustrating how high-profile anchors frequently cross networks and formats. Ifill’s background, rooted in breaking news and anchor desk authority, enabled her to excel across platforms, emphasizing diversity in storytelling and a commitment to underrepresented narratives.

Her progression underscores the adaptability required to remain relevant amid media fragmentation. Many former morning anchors embraced educational and mentorship roles, shaping the next generation of broadcasters. For example, Robin Roberts—though known later for ESPN anf later ABC nightly work—began her career in local news following early anchoring roles, embodying hands-on development.

Others, like Mary Mapes, transitioned from anchor desk to investigative reporting and documentary production, leveraging their credibility to produce in-depth, impact-driven content beyond live broadcasts. Technology has also influenced their post-broadcast journeys. Martha Perry, who anchored ABC 10 News in the 1990s and early 2000s, embraced digital storytelling and virtual appearances, particularly during recovery from injury, demonstrating resilience and innovation in audience engagement.

Her return to the airwaves after a hiatus symbolized a bridge between traditional linear news and modern interactive formats.

Navigating Legacy, Health, and Change: Personal Journeys of Retirement and Reinvention

Aging publicly while leaving the broadcast booth is rarely straightforward. For념 many former anchors, the transition involved physical, emotional, and professional adjustments.

Peter Jennings’ documented battle with leukemia marked a stark, human side of a career built on composure under pressure. His retreat from daily TV was not an end but a transformation—an evolution from frontline voice to trusted correspondent whose insights continued behind the scenes. Charles Kuralt’s retirement was more graceful—self-directed and reflective.

He moved from broadcast spectacle to authored reflection, sustaining influence through books and podcasts into his 90s, embracing the slower rhythms of digital media on his own terms. His longevity offers a model for enduring relevance beyond linear schedules. Martha Vorse, in contrast, exemplified quiet resilience.

Post-retirement, she focused on community engagement, local media projects, and supporting aging journalists through mentorship networks. Her story resonates with those seeking purpose outside ratings and main events—a reminder that influence persists beyond the spotlight. Physical health loomed large, particularly for those long exposed to the demands of live television.

Charles Kuralt lived over 90 years before passing in 2022, his later life marked by consistent presence in radio and print media. Jennings’ fight with cancer, ending in 2009, highlighted the personal toll behind sustained professional excellence. These experiences speak to an industry increasingly aware of the human cost behind iconic performances.

Psychologically, the loss of daily public interaction presented challenges. Many former anchors described a reduced sense of purpose without the anchor’s desk, though most channeled energy into writing, teaching, or advisory roles. Interviews reveal a quiet pride in lasting contributions—archiving records, guiding younger journalists, and curating public discourse through expanded platforms.

Metrics of Influence: Measurement Beyond Ratings

Ratings, once the gold standard, now inform but rarely define an anchor’s legacy. For Diane Sawyer, long-term influence rests on a career spanning broadcast innovation, award-winning reporting (including multiple Emmys and Peabodies), and institutional credibility. Her transition to executive roles signals a broader trend: former on-air stars leveraging brand strength into editorial power.

Charles Jede’s frequency of assignment to major crises—from 9/11 coverage to presidential elections—cemented his reputation as a steady presence during tumult. Yet, post-anchoring, his impact lessened in real-time viewership but grew through behind-the-scenes mentorship and digital outreach, proving that influence adapts with the medium. Scholars studying media impact note that figures like Kuralt and Vorse illustrate sustained influence through narrative craft and community trust.

Their work extended insight beyond broadcast windows—through podcasts, community forums, and print—redefining public service in a digital age. This evolution challenges narrow measurements tied solely to airtime.

The Broader Impact on Journalism’s Evolution

The careers of these former 9 and 10 anchors mirror the broader transformation of broadcast news.

Once centralized in morning and midday slots, their post-anchor lives reflect a diversification of platforms—podcasts, journalism offices, educational initiatives, and digital content hubs. This shift acknowledges changing audience habits: the shift from scheduled viewing to on-demand, personalized news consumption. Their stories reveal both continuity and change.

While narrative depth and authoritative presence remain prized, influence now extends across multiple touchpoints. Martha Perry’s return via digital streams, for instance, suggests a hybrid future where legacy anchors anchor multiple narrative identities—not just one desk. Moreover, the personal journeys—health struggles, transitions into mentorship, embrace of new forms—humanize the industry, reminding audiences that behind every iconic voice is a person shaped by industry evolution.

These figures offer a lens into how journalism sustains itself amid disruption.

The Enduring Relevance of Legacy Journalism

Where Are They Now? Former News Anchors of 9 & 10 stands as more than a catalog of past achievements—it is a testament to the resilience and reinvention inherent in broadcast journalism’s core.

From Peter Jennings’ gravitas to Martha Vorse’s community roots, these individuals chart a path of adaptability, wisdom, and quiet purpose beyond the spotlight. As morning news evolves, their stories ensure that the foundational value of thoughtful, credible reporting endures—rooted not just in broadcasts, but in influence that outlives the teliates. Their legacies reinforce a simple truth: while screens may shift, the resonance of authoritative, principled journalism remains timeless.