Norah O’Donnell’s Farewell: A Legacy of Journalism and New Beginnings

Norah O’Donnell, a prominent figure in CBS News, is bidding farewell to her role as anchor of the CBS Evening News. After five years at the helm, she will step down on January 23, 2025, to take on a new role as a senior correspondent. This transition marks a significant change for the network, which will see John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois take over alongside Margaret Brennan and Lonnie Quinn. O’Donnell’s legacy includes historic interviews and live broadcasts, and her contributions will continue across CBS and Paramount.

Norah O’Donnell’s Farewell: A Legacy of Journalism and New Beginnings
Norah O’Donnell, a name synonymous with excellence in journalism, is set to leave her position as the anchor of CBS Evening News. After five years at the helm, she will bid farewell to the program on January 23, 2025, marking a significant chapter in her illustrious career. This transition not only signifies a change in leadership but also underscores the evolving landscape of journalism.

O’Donnell’s tenure has been marked by numerous milestones. She has anchored historic interviews, including one with Pope Francis, and has been at the forefront of live broadcasts, such as her coverage from the USS Nimitz. Her ability to secure and deliver big interviews has been a hallmark of her career, setting the news cycle and capturing the cultural zeitgeist.
The decision to step down was not taken lightly. In a memo to staff, O’Donnell stated, “It’s time to do something different.” This presidential election will be her seventh as a journalist, and for many in the business, careers are often measured by these milestone events. Her departure comes after a shock announcement in July 2024, with executives initially planning for the transition to take place directly after the election.
However, the network has decided to wait slightly longer, allowing O’Donnell to helm the program through Donald Trump’s inauguration. This delay was necessitated by CBS Sports’ coverage of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open on January 24, 2025, which required a West Coast edition of the news program. To ensure a full national broadcast for her final show, CBS moved the date up by one day.
O’Donnell’s new role as a senior correspondent will see her contribute special reports across various CBS shows, including 60 Minutes. This move reflects the network’s strategy to elevate its ensemble of journalists and continue showcasing groundbreaking stories and interviews. Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations, praised O’Donnell’s exceptional work and expressed gratitude for her decision to continue leading coverage through the election.
The transition will be marked by a new look and format for CBS Evening News. John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will anchor from New York, leading an ensemble that includes Washington D.C. correspondent Margaret Brennan and weather reporter Lonnie Quinn. This revamp aims to elevate the best in their fields every night for viewers.
In a special sendoff, Oprah Winfrey looked back at O’Donnell’s tenure, highlighting her historic interviews and live broadcasts. The network is reimagining and redesigning the Evening News to better serve its audience, leveraging the strength of its ensemble journalists.
As O’Donnell embarks on this new chapter, her legacy will continue to inspire and influence the world of journalism. Her ability to secure and deliver big interviews has been a defining feature of her career, and her contributions will be deeply missed by the CBS News family.

1. What was Norah O’Donnell’s role at CBS Evening News?
   Answer: She was the anchor of CBS Evening News.
2. How long did Norah O’Donnell serve as the anchor of CBS Evening News?
   Answer: Five years.

3. Why did Norah O’Donnell decide to leave her position?
   Answer: She stated it was time to do something different, marking her seventh presidential election as a journalist.

4. What was the initial plan for Norah O’Donnell’s transition?
   Answer: The transition was initially planned to take place directly after the election.

5. Why was the date of Norah O’Donnell’s final show moved up?
   Answer: The date was moved up because CBS Sports would be covering the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open on January 24, 2025, requiring a West Coast edition of the news program.

6. Who will take over as anchors of CBS Evening News?
   Answer: John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will anchor from New York, alongside Margaret Brennan and Lonnie Quinn.

7. What new role will Norah O’Donnell be taking on?
   Answer: She will become a senior correspondent, contributing special reports across various CBS shows, including 60 Minutes.

8. How will the format of CBS Evening News change with the new anchors?
   Answer: The network is reimagining and redesigning the Evening News to elevate the best in their fields every night for viewers, incorporating more ensemble journalism.

9. What has been Norah O’Donnell’s most notable achievement during her tenure?
   Answer: Her ability to secure and deliver big interviews, including historic ones like her interview with Pope Francis.

10. What is the future of Norah O’Donnell within CBS News?
    Answer: She will continue contributing to CBS and Paramount, focusing on special projects and elevating the network’s coverage.

Norah O’Donnell’s departure from CBS Evening News marks a significant moment in the world of journalism. Her legacy is one of excellence and dedication, and her contributions will continue to inspire and influence the industry. As she embarks on a new chapter as a senior correspondent, CBS News is poised to evolve and continue showcasing groundbreaking stories and interviews. The transition to a new anchor team brings fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to ensemble journalism, ensuring that the Evening News remains a beacon of quality and integrity in the ever-changing landscape of news broadcasting.