Norah O’Donnell announced she was leaving the CBS Evening News anchor desk Tuesday. CBS News President Wendy McMahon shared the network is prepared to embrace the challenge of replacing her.
In a message to employees, McMahon shared that the decision for O’Donnell to focus on securing and conducting large interviews for the news organization is a natural one for the anchor.
“From her global exclusive with Pope Francis to her interviews with every living president, Norah’s newsmaking interviews always deliver for the audience,” wrote McMahon. “How many people can effortlessly shift from field-anchoring on an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea to sitting down with Bono and Dolly Parton? Norah’s work here is legendary, and she has several major interviews in the works that will be equally memorable and momentous.”
She then added that with the decision to move on from the nightly news program, Norah O’Donnell was correct in her assertion that times are changing in that realm.
“This is a transformative time in our industry, where we have the challenge and the opportunity to connect with viewers in entirely new ways, and she is uniquely positioned to do so for CBS.”
Wendy McMahon concluded by noting that the news program — which has aired on the network since 1941 — remains a priority for CBS.
“I know many of you will have questions about what this means for the CBS Evening News moving forward,” she stated. “Please know we remain committed to its mission, we will share more about our plans soon, and we want to thank all our colleagues who contribute to its coverage every night.”
