Bob Schieffer retiring CBS Face The Nation
Bob Schieffer, the host of CBS News' "Face The Nation" announced his retirement from the network Wednesday. He will step down this summer. Getty Images

CBS’ “Face the Nation” will be hosted by a new face. The network announced John Dickerson, the channel’s political director, will replace veteran host Bob Schieffer on the long-running news program.

Schieffer made the announcement on the air Sunday following the announcement of his retirement last Wednesday. He has been hosting “Face the Nation” for 24 years. Dickerson will begin hosting the program on June 7. The new host brings an extensive background of reporting despite only joining CBS in 2011.

“John is first and foremost a reporter -- and that’s what he’ll be as anchor of ‘Face the Nation,’” CBS News President David Rhodes wrote in a statement. “His work in the studio will always informed by what he’s learned in Iowa, in New Hampshire, on Capitol Hill -- anywhere there’s news.”

Dickerson expressed excitement to be taking over for Schieffer. “I am thrilled,” he said in a statement. “I have watched Bob my whole professional life not just as a viewer but as a daily reporter who also covered the Hill.”

Dickerson, who is also a political columnist at Slate.com, is familiar with the program, making 83 appearances on the show through the years. His late mother, Nancy Dickerson was the first female correspondent at CBS News in 1960 and was an associate producer on the first-ever broadcast of "Face the Nation."

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