Edward C. Baig

USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Charles Osgood is stepping down as host of CBS Sunday Morning after 22 years. The veteran newsman announced he intends to leave his anchor post following a farewell broadcast Sept 25.

Osgood, 83, took the job in 1994, when the only other person to permanently host the show, Charles Kuralt, retired after 15 years. While Osgood will no longer host Sunday Morning he is not leaving the program entirely. He informed viewers that he’ll appear on Sunday Morning from time to time. He also will continue to broadcast on the CBS Radio Network.

“Some of you may have heard rumors lately that I won’t be hosting these Sunday Morning broadcasts very much longer. Well, I’m here to tell you that the rumors are true,” Osgood said during the show. “For years now people — even friends and family — have been asking me why I keep doing this considering my age. I am pushing 84. It’s just that it’s been a joy doing it! Who wouldn’t want to be the one who gets to introduce these terrific storytellers and the producers and writers and others who put this wonderful show together?”

With an audience of around 6 million viewers, Sunday Morning is a ratings leader.

CBS News president David Rhodes called Osgood “one of the most distinctive voices in broadcasting, guiding each broadcast, making sure the words were just right, and being a calming, reassuring presence to our viewers." Osgood has been with CBS News for 45 years. His distinctive voice has also been heard in the 2008 Dr. Seuss movie Horton Hears a Who!

CBS has not announced a Sunday Morning replacement.

Email: ebaig@usatoday.com; Follow USA TODAY Tech Columnist @edbaig on Twitter

Contributing: Associated Press