Thank God for the Internet. If that headline had been spoken on the radio or a TV news show, it would have sounded like some bizarre Abbott and Costello routine.

"Did you hear that Ted Koppel may be hosting This Week on ABC?"

"Really, what show?

"Exactly."

"I sure want to know the name of the show he'll be hosting on ABC."

"Well I just thought I'd tell you."

"Well I just thought I'd ask."

"Ask me what?"

"I don't know."

"THIRD BASE!"

[via TV Week]

One of the most recognizable figures in ABC News is saying goodbye to the daily grind. In his time with the network, Sam Donaldson has done it all, investigative reporter, anchor, host, talking head, and always with a distinctive, pugnacious style. After four decades at the job, ABC's Sam Donaldson is retiring.

He will be missed, especially at the network. Anchorman Charles Gibson acknowledged as much when he told the Washington Post that Donaldson's retirement "really is a loss of the bedrock" for ABC. These days, the big three have struggled to maintain their dominance in the news business with cable outlets offering so much blanket coverage compared to the nets. Sam Donaldson has been synonymous with ABC. He can't help but be missed. To this day, I think Ted Koppell is missed as well.