Veteran journalist Norah O’Donnell has announced her departure from CBS Evening News after a five-year stint as the show’s anchor and 12 years as a network anchor.
According to reports, O’Donnell, 50, will take on a new role as a CBS News special correspondent, where she will conduct interviews and provide reports for various CBS News programs, including CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes.
In a memo to staff, O’Donnell expressed her gratitude for her time on the show, stating, “There’s so much work to be proud of! But I have spent 12 years in the anchor chair here at CBS News, connected to a daily broadcast and the rigors of a relentless news cycle. It’s time to do something different.”
O’Donnell’s decision to leave the anchor chair comes after facing allegations of toxic behavior in 2022. Despite this, she has maintained a strong reputation as a skilled journalist and storyteller.
Norah O’Donnell has quit CBS Evening News after five years leading the show and 12 years as a network anchor- seen 2022
Per THR, O’Donnell, 50, will become CBS News special correspondent at the network – conducting ‘interviews and other reports for CBS News programming with appearances on CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes – pictured July 16
O’Donnell’s new role will allow her to focus on in-depth storytelling and interviews, which she has become renowned for during her time at CBS News.
Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations, praised O’Donnell’s exceptional storytelling abilities, stating, “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.”
O’Donnell’s departure from the anchor chair has sparked speculation about her replacement, which has yet to be announced.
Throughout her career, O’Donnell has established herself as a respected journalist, having served as CBS This Morning co-host and CBS News’ chief White House correspondent during President Obama’s administration.
O’Donnell penned in a memo to staff on Tuesday: ‘There’s so much work to be proud of! ‘But I have spent 12 years in the anchor chair here at CBS News, connected to a daily broadcast and the rigors of a relentless news cycle. It’s time to do something different’ – pictured with Pope Francis
She was previously CBS This Morning co-host from 2012 and before that, CBS News’ chief White House correspondent during President Obama’s administration
Earlier this month, CBS News president Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews stepped down from her role into a senior adviser position for the 2024 election.
Ciprian-Matthews stated in a memo that she did not want to be “disingenuous” about her plans, adding that she wanted to be transparent about her decision to step down.
The news of O’Donnell’s departure comes after reports of her alleged “toxic behavior” and purported $65,000-a-year wardrobe allowance, which she has denied.