Norah O’Donnell Anchors Final ‘CBS Evening News’ Broadcast Ahead of Schedule

NEW YORK — Norah O'Donnell anchored her final “CBS Evening News” broadcast on Thursday, Jan. 23, a day earlier than initially planned. The veteran journalist, who has led the program for five years, will transition to a new role as a senior correspondent at CBS News, focusing on special projects and contributions to programs like “60 Minutes.”

O’Donnell’s departure was originally scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24, but was moved up due to CBS’s programming schedule, which includes airing the NFL playoffs on Friday evening. Her final broadcast aired at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS and at 10 p.m. on the CBS News app.

“After careful consideration, 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 in a statement. “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.”

O’Donnell, who has spent 12 years in the anchor chair at CBS News, reflected on her time with the network. “But I have spent 12 years in the anchor chair here at News, connected to a daily broadcast and the rigors of a relentless news cycle. It’s time to do something different,” she added. “I will continue to contribute to Evening News and all of our news broadcasts, including ’60 Minutes.'”

During her tenure, O’Donnell became a prominent figure in broadcast journalism, known for her in-depth reporting and interviews with high-profile figures. Her departure marks a significant shift for “CBS Evening News,” which has seen consistent viewership under her leadership.

CBS has not yet announced who will replace O’Donnell as the permanent anchor of “CBS Evening News.” In the interim, the network is expected to rely on a rotation of correspondents to fill the anchor chair.

O’Donnell’s move comes as part of a broader trend in broadcast journalism, where veteran anchors are increasingly transitioning to roles that allow for more flexibility and focus on long-form storytelling. Her new position will enable her to pursue investigative projects and contribute to CBS News’s flagship programs.

Viewers can continue to follow O’Donnell’s work through her contributions to CBS News broadcasts and her upcoming projects. The network has expressed its gratitude for her dedication and leadership over the past five years.