Norah O’Donnell’s departure from the “CBS Evening News” anchor desk after the 2024 presidential inauguration marked the end of a five-year chapter. O’Donnell announced her decision in the summer of 2024, stating it was “time to do something different” after 12 years in the anchor chair and covering seven presidential elections. But what exactly prompted her exit, and what lies ahead for the veteran journalist?
Norah O’Donnell’s Reasons for Leaving CBS Evening News
O’Donnell officially signed off on January 23, 2025, a day earlier than initially planned due to CBS airing the Farmers Insurance Open. In a November 2024 Instagram video, she confirmed her departure, extending her tenure through Inauguration Day. Her July statement revealed a desire for change and a new challenge after years dedicated to the demanding news cycle. This sentiment echoed in a January Instagram Q&A where she hinted at “big interviews and investigations” as part of her future endeavors.
Norah O'Donnell's farewell to CBS This Morning
Norah O’Donnell’s Future at CBS News and 60 Minutes
While leaving the anchor chair, O’Donnell isn’t severing ties with CBS entirely. She transitioned to a correspondent role for “60 Minutes” and will contribute to other CBS News programs. This allows her the flexibility to pursue in-depth investigations and high-profile interviews, aligning with her expressed desire for a different kind of journalistic work. CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon confirmed this new role provides O’Donnell the opportunity to leverage her experience for major projects across various platforms, including primetime specials and “CBS News Sunday Morning.”
Who Replaced Norah O’Donnell on CBS Evening News?
Following O’Donnell’s departure, CBS News implemented a new anchor team and relocated the “Evening News” broadcast to the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois took over co-anchoring duties, with Margaret Brennan leading political and foreign affairs coverage from Washington D.C., and Lonnie Quinn providing weather updates as chief weathercaster. This shift marked a significant change in the program’s presentation and leadership.
Norah O’Donnell’s Legacy at CBS Evening News
O’Donnell’s tenure at “CBS Evening News” included notable interviews with influential figures like Pope Francis, Oprah Winfrey, and every living U.S. president. Her journalistic contributions extended to moderating the vice presidential debate and conducting a significant interview with then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. These accomplishments underscore her impactful career in broadcast journalism.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Norah O’Donnell
Norah O’Donnell’s decision to leave “CBS Evening News” was driven by a desire for new challenges and a shift towards in-depth reporting. While her departure marked a significant change for the program, it opened up opportunities for O’Donnell to pursue her passion for investigative journalism and impactful interviews within the CBS News family. The transition to a correspondent role allows her to continue contributing to the network while exploring a different facet of her journalistic expertise.
