Norah O'Donnell anchored her final CBS Evening News on Thursday, marking the end of her five-year tenure with the network. Her farewell was highlighted by the surprise appearance of Oprah Winfrey, who praised O'Donnell's contributions throughout her time at CBS.
O'Donnell described her time as anchor as "the honor of a lifetime,” expressing gratitude to viewers for their support. She stated, “The CBS Evening News is, for good reason, the longest running evening newscast in America, and it has been powered by the finest journalists around the world — the correspondents, producers and researchers and crews who work tirelessly to bring you the news every night.”
Winfrey narrated highlights from O'Donnell's tenure, reminiscing about the countless breaking news segments and expressing how she treated each story with grace and compassion. "Through countless hours of breaking news, and nearly 1,300 broadcasts… you have treated each story with grace and compassion," Winfrey noted.
Since taking the anchor chair in 2019, O'Donnell successfully transitioned the broadcast to Washington, D.C. Though CBS Evening News has consistently ranked third behind ABC’s World News Tonight and NBC’s Nightly News, O'Donnell was recognized for her key interviews with influential figures, including Pope Francis, and for extensive investigations, such as those probing sexual assault within the military.
On January 27, CBS will introduce revamped evening newscasts, now anchored by John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois. This marks the network's strategic move back to New York and emphasizes shifting away from the traditional single-anchor format. Margaret Brennan will serve as lead correspondent from Washington, D.C., with the emphasis on correspondent storytelling.
The restructuring reflects broader trends across media, where networks like CBS are adapting to changes in viewer habits leaning more toward streaming platforms and social media for news content. This shift has prompted financial adjustments and the reduction of on-air talent costs; recent departures include Hoda Kotb from Today and Chris Wallace from CNN.
O'Donnell's departure marks not only the end of her chapter at CBS Evening News but also highlights the shifting dynamics within the broadcasting industry. Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News, remarked, "Norah’s superpower is her ability to secure and then masterfully deliver unparalleled interviews and stories... Her work here is legendary.”
Despite stepping down from the anchor position, O'Donnell is not leaving CBS entirely. She will continue to serve as senior correspondent, contributing feature stories and interviews across CBS’s various platforms, including the iconic 60 Minutes.
Reflecting on her time as anchor, O'Donnell expressed, "So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart.” Her vision for journalism has consistently focused on making complex stories accessible and meaningful for viewers.
The transition to the new format responds to industry shifts toward more local viewing habits and allows CBS to feature correspondents more prominently, echoing the style of local news broadcasts. A promotional video for the new broadcast emphasized the commitment to delivering news stories through the lens of dedicated journalists rather than relying solely on anchors.
O'Donnell’s impressive run included covering major events and conducting interviews with significant figures. “You have so much to be proud of,” Oprah Winfrey told her during the sendoff. "Your work has not only won awards, but more important, has made such a difference and informed our nation."
Even as CBS moves forward, O'Donnell's impact as anchor will undoubtedly resonate within the network. The new leadership hopes to capture the essence of local news, which holds strong appeal for current viewers, even as they navigate the challenges posed by the rise of digital media.
O'Donnell's departure and the strategic revamp of CBS Evening News reflect how media giants like CBS are responding to changing audience expectations and the competitive media environment. The focus will continue to center on high-quality journalism, regardless of the format, ensuring audiences remain engaged with the significant stories of our time.