6abc’s Brian Taff to replace Jim Gardner on 6 p.m. ‘Action News’

It seems almost unthinkable, but longtime 6abc anchor Jim Gardner will deliver his final Action News broadcast later this month.

Gardner, 74, is retiring after nearly 45 years on the air in Philadelphia. Rick Williams has already taken over for Gardner on the 11 p.m. edition of Action News.

His replacement at 6 p.m. will be Brian Taff, the station announced Tuesday.

“During my time at Action News, Jim Gardner has become much more than a mentor to me — he’s been a dear friend, a trusted confidant, and a guide for which I’m unendingly grateful,” Taff said in a statement. “He will never be replaced on Action News at 6, but it’s the professional honor of a lifetime to be asked to succeed him. It is an important distinction.”

“The baton I am being handed from him has been used to orchestrate the decades-long construction of our foundation ― one built on honesty, integrity, and trust. I intend to honor and build upon that legacy with every single word, every single night,” Taff added.

Taff will continue his role on the 4 p.m. newscast but will exit Action News at noon. He joined the station in 2009. It’s unclear why 6abc decided to split Gardner’s anchor duties between Taff and Williams. The station declined to comment.

Gardner’s final 6 p.m. newscast is scheduled to take place Dec. 21. On Tuesday, Delaware Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons honored the longtime news anchor on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

“You’ve given us a sense of continuity, of community, and of character in our local news, unmatched in so many other communities around our country,” Coons said. “You are a genuine treasure, a jewel of the Delaware Valley, and we will miss you deeply.”

Gardner was also honored during the station’s coverage of Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving parade, and said goodbye to Action News at 11 in January.

“Nobody is more grateful than I for the special, no, unique relationship between Action News and you, our viewers,” Gardner said to end the broadcast. “In a sense, we made a bargain long ago — we give you our respect and commitment to honest and fair reporting, and you give us your trust.”

“And thank you for allowing me into your homes so late at night for the past 45 years. I have never taken your hospitality for granted,” Gardner added.