For viewers who tuned in nightly to CBS Evening News, the landscape of broadcast journalism shifted significantly in early 2025. Norah O’Donnell, who served as the anchor and managing editor of the network’s flagship evening program, officially concluded her tenure, marking the end of a notable five-year chapter in television news.
Table of contents
When Did Norah O’Donnell Leave?
The timeline of O’Donnell’s departure was a subject of much industry speculation following her initial announcement in July 2024. Ultimately, her final broadcast took place on Thursday, January 23, 2025. While there was some initial ambiguity regarding whether her final show would be on a Friday or a Thursday, the network ultimately moved the date up by one day, finalizing her exit shortly after her extensive coverage of the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Why Did She Leave?
O’Donnell’s departure was described as a transition rather than a retirement. When she first addressed the newsroom in a staff call during the summer of 2024, she emphasized that it was simply “time” for a change. Having headlined the show since July 15, 2019, O’Donnell expressed a desire to pivot toward a different kind of journalistic contribution.
What Is Next for O’Donnell?
Rather than leaving the network entirely, Norah O’Donnell transitioned into a new role as a senior correspondent for CBS News. In this capacity, she continues to provide value to the organization by:
- Contributing high-impact special reports.
- Providing journalism for the acclaimed news magazine 60 Minutes.
- Continuing to offer analytical insights across various CBS news platforms.
A Legacy of Reporting
O’Donnell’s tenure was marked by her presence during several pivotal moments in American history, including the 2024 Republican National Convention and the subsequent inauguration of Donald Trump. Before her five-year run at the helm of CBS Evening News, she was a familiar face to CBS audiences as a co-anchor of CBS This Morning.
As the network looks toward the future, O’Donnell’s shift to a senior correspondent role ensures that her expertise remains a fixture of CBS News, even as the anchor desk transitions to new leadership. Her departure signifies the natural evolution of broadcast news, where seasoned anchors often move from the daily grind of the evening desk to long-form investigative and special reporting.
