After 52 years in journalism, Lehrer said Thursday that "there comes a time to step aside from the daily process, and that day has arrived." His exit will take place the week of June 6.
/*Lehrer's*/ 77th birthday is next week. He said he will still appear many Fridays to moderate a weekly analysis feature with columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks.
The "NewsHour" has prepared for his retirement by setting up a two-person anchor team with rotating personalities. Lehrer has generally taken Mondays and Tuesdays off the past year.