ABC news name change reflects 24/7 demand

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NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- ABC's prime-time evening newscast, formerly "World News Tonight" is dropping the word "Tonight," reflecting the increased demand for 24 hour news.

The nightly news will be called "World News with Charles Gibson" starting Wednesday, Zap2it.com reported.

"('World News') remains our flagship broadcast, but it has evolved well beyond 30 minutes on television," ABC News President David Westin said.

"We are committed to expanding ABC News and 'World News' into the 24-hour space created by the digital world," he added.

Gibson took over as "World News" anchor in May after the death of Peter Jennings in August 2005. Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff were named co-anchors, and Woodruff was seriously wounded in an Iraq bombing.

Vargas became pregnant and stepped down. After maternity leave, she plans to anchor "20/20."

Gibson also does a radio newscast and contributes to a daily Webcast.