Jim Lehrer is leaving ‘PBS’ NewsHour’ program.

Reportedly, Jim Lehrer announced on Thursday that he is leaving the anchor desk of PBS’ nightly ‘NewsHour’ program. Lehrer has manned the desk for 36 years. The 76 year old journalist announced June 6 will be his last day. He will be joining the show on Fridays to host a news panel. He holds the record for longest serving news anchor in TV history.

“I have been laboring in the glories of daily journalism for 52 years … 36 of them here at the NewsHour and its earlier incarnations,” he told his staff. “There comes a time to step aside from the daily process, and that time has arrived.”

Lehrer and Robert MacNeil made up ‘The MacNeil/Lehrer Report’ in 1975, which 8 years later became known as ‘The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour’. In 1995 MacNeil left leaving it to Lehrer. The show became ‘PBS NewsHour’ in 2009, adding multi anchors.

“I am grateful to Jim for the extraordinary contributions he’s made to public television,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “Jim has built a talented team and we’re very proud to be the home of PBS NEWSHOUR. As Jim begins the next chapter of his career, we are grateful for his ongoing leadership and his continued presence on Friday nights.”

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