In an emotional farewell episode, veteran broadcaster Norah O’Donnell bid adieu to the CBS Evening News, wrapping up her tenure as the anchor with a heartfelt message to her audience. The episode aired on Thursday, January 23, marking the end of her five and a half years at the helm of the iconic news program.
Norah O’Donnell’s Final Broadcast: A Legacy to Remember
As she took to the screen for the last time, O’Donnell addressed her viewers with gratitude and humility, acknowledging the profound impact of her time at CBS. "As many of you know, this is my final Evening News broadcast," she declared. "It has been an incredible five and a half years, a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and a deep commitment to delivering the news with integrity and heart."
The Honor of Anchoring a Legacy Broadcast
Reflecting on her time at CBS, Norah expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to anchor such a historic broadcast. "This has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast," she shared. "The CBS Evening News is, for good reason, the longest-running evening newscast in America, a testament to its unwavering dedication to journalism and truth."
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Saluting the Finest Journalists Around the Globe
She took a moment to recognize the hardworking team behind the scenes, the backbone of the broadcast. "The CBS Evening News is powered by the finest journalists around the world—our correspondents, producers, researchers, and crews who tirelessly work to bring you the news every night. Their dedication ensures that journalism continues to matter, and I’ve seen firsthand how much it resonates with our viewers," she said.
With a heartfelt thank you, Norah expressed her gratitude to the audience. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart into your homes. I will miss you, too, but I will see you on CBS news programs, including Mornings, 60 Minutes, Sunday Morning, and in prime time," she concluded.
As she signed off for the final time, she left her viewers with a touching message. "So, for the final time, that’s tonight’s CBS Evening News. I owe it all to everybody I work with honestly. Love you, good night."
Why Norah O'Donnell Chose to Step Down
Norah, 51, announced her decision to step down from CBS Evening News in July 2024. In a candid email to her colleagues, she explained her reasons. "I have spent 12 years in the anchor chair here at CBS News, tied to a daily broadcast and the rigors of a relentless news cycle. It’s time to do something different," she wrote.
A New Chapter at CBS
Though she's leaving her role as anchor, Norah's journey at CBS is far from over. It was announced that she will take on a new role within the network, one that allows her to explore different storytelling avenues. "In her new role, Norah will have the time and the support to deliver even more of the exceptional stories she is known for across our shows and streams, across CBS Network and Paramount+," said Wendy McMahon, President and CEO of CBS News.
McMahon added, "She will have the real estate and flexibility to leverage big bookings on numerous platforms, including primetime specials, 60 Minutes, CBS News Sunday Morning, and more."
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Norah's Impact on CBS Evening News
When Norah began her role as anchor in 2011, she quickly became a cornerstone of the program. In 2019, she made history as the third woman to anchor the CBS Evening News. Her vision for the show was clear: "CBS Evening News will deal with breaking news and that urgency but will also explore real issues of humanity, the things that connect us. I hope the stories we cover will address our common humanity: Veterans, families with children with special needs, families who are struggling with their kids and their screen time."
The Future of CBS Evening News
Following Norah's departure, John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois were revealed as the new co-anchors of CBS Evening News, set to take the reins on Monday, January 27. As the program enters a new era, it carries forward the legacy and dedication Norah instilled during her tenure.
