Norah O’Donnell to transition from ‘CBS Evening News’ anchor to senior correspondent

A new chapter for Norah O’Donnell

In a significant shift at CBS News, Norah O’Donnell will step down from her role as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” after the 2024 presidential election. She will transition to a new position as a senior correspondent, focusing on high-profile interviews and in-depth reporting. This move marks another major change at CBS News following its merger with the local-TV operations of its parent company.

Reflecting on a storied career

O’Donnell, who has anchored the “CBS Evening News” for five years, expressed her excitement about the new role. She highlighted her desire to pursue signature interviews with top newsmakers, a passion that has grown through her extensive experience in both morning and evening news formats. Her recent interview with Pope Francis stands out as a career highlight.

“Together, our team has won Emmy, Murrow, and DuPont awards. We managed to anchor in-studio through COVID; we took the broadcast on the road from aircraft carriers to the Middle East, and around the world. We were privileged to conduct a historic interview with Pope Francis,” O’Donnell shared in a note to staffers. “There’s so much work to be proud of! But I have spent 12 years in the anchor chair here at CBS News, tied to a daily broadcast and the rigors of a relentless news cycle. It’s time to do something different.”

Continuing to shape the news landscape

O’Donnell will remain a key figure in CBS News’ coverage leading up to the 2024 Election, including the Democratic National Convention and Election Night. In her new role, she will continue to contribute to “Evening News,” “60 Minutes,” and other CBS News programs. This arrangement underscores a long-term commitment between O’Donnell and CBS News.

Strategic shifts at CBS News

This transition is part of a broader series of changes at CBS News. The national newsgathering operation merged with CBS’ stations in 2021 and was further consolidated under the management of Wendy McMahon, who also oversees CBS’ syndicated business. Recently, Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, a veteran journalism executive, stepped down from her role as president of the Paramount Global news unit, leaving CBS to find her replacement.

Under McMahon’s leadership, CBS News has focused on leveraging both national and local journalists for comprehensive coverage. A new “whip-around” streaming concept has been introduced, relying on contributions from CBS News journalists and local station newsrooms.

Embracing a new role

McMahon views O’Donnell’s shift as a strategic move that aligns with her broader efforts. “Norah’s superpower is her ability to secure and then masterfully deliver unparalleled interviews and stories that set the news cycle and capture the cultural zeitgeist,” McMahon said in a memo. “How many people can effortlessly shift from field-anchoring on an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea to sitting down with Bono and Dolly Parton? Norah’s work here is legendary, and she has several major interviews in the works that will be equally memorable and momentous.”

A legacy of impactful journalism

O’Donnell’s work at “CBS Evening News” has been widely recognized. She has extensively investigated how the military handles claims of sexual harassment and abuse, a topic close to her heart given her family’s military background. Despite the show’s historical significance, it has struggled to compete with ABC’s “World News Tonight” and NBC’s “NBC Nightly News.”

The future of ‘CBS Evening News’

CBS News has not yet named a replacement for O’Donnell, and it is believed that the network may not appoint a single successor. Potential candidates include Margaret Brennan, the “Face The Nation” moderator, Major Garrett, the Washington correspondent, James Brown, the “NFL Today” moderator, and weekend anchors Jericka Duncan and Adriana Diaz.

Final thoughts

As Norah O’Donnell prepares to embark on this new journey, her legacy at CBS News remains strong. Her ability to deliver impactful stories and interviews has left an indelible mark on the network. The upcoming changes at CBS News signal a new era of innovation and adaptation, ensuring that the network continues to provide comprehensive and engaging news coverage.

For more information on Norah O’Donnell’s career and her notable interviews, visit the CBS News website.

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