Dan Harris is stepping down as co-anchor of ABC’s “Nightline” after six years in the role and plans to spend more time expanding his meditation business.
ABC announced the changes on Tuesday but noted Harris will continue to work on “Nightline” with occasional stories and other network programs.
Harris’ decision to step back is motivated by his desire to work more on his 10% Happier business, which all started with his 2014 book by the same name. The book talks about his struggles with anxiety and stress and details how he used meditation to help his issues.
The book was uber successful and lead to Harris launching a whole empire with a podcast, phone app, second book and millions of followers.
Dan Harris spoke about his love for ABC and the support they provided him over the years. In a note to the staff, Harris said, “It is a high class problem: I simply have too many awesome things on my plate, between weekend GMA, Nightline, and the expanding 10% juggernaut (which, by the way, never would have come into being without an astounding level of support from ABC News).”
He continued, “So why, given all the options, did I decide to drop the Nightline anchor gig? Because, frankly, you deserve an anchor who gives it his or her all. This team of amazing producers — who work all hours and travel all over the world — has the right to expect an on-air representative who is in the trenches with you day after day. And the circumstances of my life simply will not allow that right now.”
