Longtime anchor and journalist Norah O’Donnell is stepping away from the limelight after 12 years of anchoring for “CBS News.”
O’Donnell announced her departure in July, but she will complete her last day on air today, Jan. 23.
According to Deadline, CBS confirmed with the media outlet that O’Donnell’s last day was originally set for Jan. 24, but due to “CBS Sports” coverage of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, the “CBS Evening News” would be a West Coast-only edition. “The network shifted the date by a day, so O’Donnell’s final show can be a full, national broadcast.”
In the July press release, she stated that she would be done anchoring after the 2024 election season.
“After this year’s election, I’ve decided I will be leaving my role as anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News to take on a new position at the network,” O’Donnell said. ” We just celebrated an amazing five years together. I love what I do, and I am so fortunate to work with the best journalists and people in the business.”
Instagram stories showed an outpouring of love for the acclaimed journalist, with multiple coworkers sharing their support for her next “journey.” CBS Senior White House and Political Correspondent Ed O’Keefe shared messages of praise.
“Thank you, Norah, for being such a strong leader and generous colleague,” he wrote.
Nicole Sganga, a CBS reporter, shared touching remarks recounting moments of the two working together.
“A seat at the table with Norah O’Donnell will forever be a pinch-me privilege and an honor,” Sgana wrote. “Congratulations on your exciting next chapter! Thank you for lifting up our reporting, always.”
Though leaving the anchor chair, O’Donnell will still work as a senior correspondent for CBS. O’Donnell, 51, has worked in numerous roles, including anchoring for CBS, a correspondent for 60 Minutes, and host of Person to Person.
O’Donnell anchored for “CBS Evening News” for five years, after having anchored for many years prior on “CBS This Morning.”
According to USAToday, the journalist replied to a fan’s question on Instagram Stories on Jan. 22, informing them she would still contribute to shows like “60 Minutes.”
“Big interviews and investigations for “60 Minutes” and CBS News. Send ideas! O’Donnell replied.
O’Donnell’s press release concludes with her acknowledging her team’s work and expressing her appreciation for working with everyone.
“Thank you for all that you do for our broadcast and our audience every single day, O’Donnell said. “There’s nothing more important to me than making sure we cover this election with the excellence and humanity that defines our work together. I’m so fortunate to share those values with so many hard-working journalists who believe how important the work of journalism is to a healthy democracy. Onward!”
Starting Jan. 27, CBS anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will be the new “CBS Evening News” hosts.
