After a five-year stint at the helm of the CBS Evening News, Norah O’Donnell is preparing to sign off. Her final broadcast as anchor is scheduled for January 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of seven presidential elections covered and a newscast soon to undergo significant transformation. While O’Donnell’s departure marks the end of an era, it also signals the start of something new – a fresh format and a multi-anchor approach.
O’Donnell isn’t entirely severing ties with CBS. She’ll transition into a senior correspondent role, contributing to 60 Minutes, the Evening News, and other network programs. This move suggests a desire for a change of pace after her demanding anchor duties, not a complete exit from the CBS family. The network, perhaps recognizing the weight of the upcoming presidential inauguration, opted to delay her departure slightly, ensuring O’Donnell remains at the anchor desk through January 20, 2025.
Stepping into the spotlight, or rather, sharing the spotlight, is a new ensemble cast of anchors. John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will lead the charge in New York, joined by Margaret Brennan and Lonnie Quinn. This multi-anchor format signals a distinct departure from the traditional solo anchor model, potentially offering a more diverse range of perspectives and expertise. The shift also marks a return to New York for the broadcast after five years in Washington, D.C.
This shake-up goes beyond just faces. The CBS Evening News is getting a full makeover, with a new look and a revamped format designed to integrate 60 Minutes correspondents more deeply into the nightly news.
O’Donnell’s tenure marked the third time a woman has anchored the CBS Evening News, following in the footsteps of Connie Chung and Katie Couric. Her departure creates an opening for the network to redefine its approach to evening news, potentially signaling a broader shift in the network’s news strategy.
CBS Evening News airs weeknights on CBS.
