Martin Bashir Leaving "Nightline" for NBC

Martin Bashir

/ ABC

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) ABC News' Martin Bashir is leaving his post at "Nightline" to be an anchor for MSNBC and a contributor to "Dateline NBC."

Beginning in September, Bashir will anchor a daily afternoon program on MSNBC in addition to reporting for "Dateline NBC."

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"I am absolutely delighted to be joining MSNBC and NBC," Bashir said last Wednesday in NBC's announcement. "This is a rare and special opportunity - to host a daily news and current affairs show and also work on long-form journalism both at MSNBC and with 'Dateline.' This is an enormous privilege and I cannot wait to get started."

In an e-mail to his "Nightline" colleagues, Bashir said he plans "to work in both daily and long-form journalism" at his new job.

MSNBC president Phil Griffin said Bashir "fits in with what MSNBC wants to be: He's smart, original and thoughtful."

Bashir joined ABC's newsmagazine "20/20" in 2004. Before that, he was a London-born journalist who won attention for documentaries including "Living With Michael Jackson," which aired on ABC in 2003, and an exclusive interview with Princess Diana in 1995.

Also on Thursday, ABC News announced that Bill Weir, who co-anchors the weekend edition of "Good Morning America," will join "Nightline" alongside current co-anchors Terry Moran and Cynthia McFadden. They, with Bashir, made up the original three-host team that replaced Ted Koppel in 2005.

In an e-mail to staff Thursday, ABC News president David Westin said Weir "has done some of our most innovative reporting from every conceivable venue, both as co-anchor of weekend GMA and for all of our other programs and platforms."

[TeaRunner]

At least all the kooks are consolidating to one defunct network on its way to bankruptcy. This is a big score for kookdom. Look forward to seeing both of the NBC's pleading for a bailout and the ensuing laughter.

[ultravioletrae]

bye bye msnbc.

[liarsandlies]

I will never forget how Martin Bashir helped to ruined the image of Michael Jackson. now that MJ has gone on, I only wonder how Bashir plans to redeem himself or has the money he was paid erased all sense of right and wrong or moral obligation. Some of you on here need to wake up and take off your blinders. Martin Bashir has proven to be a liar. How can you trust his journalism and celebrate his career! I'm happy to see that some of you see the truth. the rest of you continue to represent the majority of the American population that allows mainstream media to dedicate write and wrong for them! You should stop, and think critically!

[tariq70]

www.forex89.co.cc

[icajkova]

It is liars ... he lied about anything in an interview with Michael Jackson. Nothing of what he said was true. Should not there be cameras as well as Michael would have ended?? Everyone should believe him its the wrong lies. He did so well with Princess Diana. Just lie nothing else!! I'm sick of it. Only what he can do is capitalize on lies and humiliation of other people. But ask yourself .... What he did Michael Jackson or Princess Diana when he follows them insulted and humiliated by talked of such things. As proof you can see here Living with Michael Jackson, Take Two. Here Michael and his friends talk about everything!! Have a nice day.

[elizabeth-cawobeth]

I agree totally agree ultravioletrae.
I will no longer watch MSNBC out of principle because this corp. obviously cares not for integrity in news to have hired M Bashir for two programs.

[hickorystick0]

Since its inception I have been a Nightline watcher and though sad to see Ted Koppel leave, his replacements have been good solid newsfolk - and primary among them was Martin Bashir. Good luck to you, Martin at MSNBC. I'll be looking for you.

[ultravioletrae]

Martin Bashir is the most shameful example of a "journalist" the medialoids have ever produced. If this man has a job, rest assured, you are not getting news. Instead you are getting say whatever you want, destroy whoever you want, no proof necessary fiction designed to grab ratings and cash. I am embarassed to say that I live in the same country that would even consider employing Martin Bashir to produce his trash tv. Good Bye NBC/MSNBC.

[buzzby48]

How disappointing that he is leaving Night Line. A reporter of compassion, character and respect is hard to find.

[ultravioletrae]

lmao