Changes could be coming to “CBS Evening News” as the New York Post reports that executives at the network are cutting costs due to sagging ratings, and it seems like anchor Norah O’Donnell faces the posibility of losing the top spot.
O’Donnell has held the evening news anchor role since 2019 after signing a three-year contract worth around $8 million a year. Furthermore, CBS accommodated her by uprooting the broadcast from New York City to Washington D.C.
As her deal is due to expire next Spring, it’s unlikely that O’Donnell remains as the inability to climb out of third place in the ratings could be her downfall. Nonetheless, the CBS executives are keeping a tight lip regarding the situation as they deny any reports of changes.
“There are no plans to move the Evening News from Washington. Norah’s presence in Washington has elevated the CBS Evening News’ coverage on all fronts – politics, breaking news, to big interviews including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen just last week,” Khemlani said.
“Her reporting on the military and domestic abuse has won awards and changed policies in Washington. And in addition to making headlines, the program is gaining audience share.”
The report from The Post also reveals that Khemlani hired management consultants on ways to trim fat as CBS’ parent company ViacomCBS proceeds to digest the 2019 merger of CBS and Viacom, potentially making it more attractive for a sale.
“Neeraj is charged with bringing down costs and boosting profits, and he does not understand why the ‘Evening News’ is in D.C.,” an insider told The Post.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
