HUGH DOWNS TO STEP DOWN FROM `20/20'

HUGH DOWNS TO STEP DOWN FROM `20/20'

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) -- "20/20" host Hugh Downs is stepping down from his job in September. The 78-year-old Downs, who holds the Guinness World's Record for the greatest number of hours spent on network television, says after 21 years on "20/20", it's time to explore new options. Downs became host of "20/20" in 1978 after bad ratings and reviews forced original hosts Harold Hayes and Robert Hughes to be canned after just one show. Although Barbara Walters joined him as co-anchor in 1984, the two have actually worked together since 1962, when both appeared on NBC's "Today Show". If you're wondering why Hugh looks so good at 78, it's partly due to special cameras used on "20/20" which electronically smooth and "dewrinkle" flesh tones.

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