Veteran journalist Norah O’Donnell has concluded her tenure at CBS Evening News after 12 years with the network. She has served as the anchor of the program since 2019, referring to the last five and a half years as the “honor of a lifetime.” It has been reported that O’Donnell intends to explore new opportunities in journalism, particularly in light of CBS’s challenges with viewership.
In her final sign-off, she expressed, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast. The CBS Evening News is, for good reason, the longest-running evening newscast in America, supported by the finest journalists in the world. The correspondents, producers, researchers, and crews work diligently to deliver the news to you every night.”
She further conveyed in her closing remarks, “This commitment will not waver because journalism is essential. I know this from the many viewers who have shared their thoughts with me. Therefore, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for trusting us and allowing hard news with compassion into your homes. I will miss you as well, but you will continue to see me on CBS News programs such as Mornings, 60 Minutes, Sunday Morning, and during primetime. So, for the last time, that’s tonight’s CBS Evening News. I owe everything to my colleagues. Truly. Love you. Good night.”
CBS Evening News announced on X, “After five years in the anchor chair, @NorahODonnell signs off from the CBS Evening News tonight. Her reporting has not only made history but has also deeply resonated with viewers nationwide. This is not a farewell — Norah will remain an integral part of the CBS News family as a senior correspondent. Join us in reflecting on her remarkable contributions.”
In addition, O’Donnell co-moderated the vice presidential debate last year alongside fellow anchor Margaret Brennan, which featured Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Vice President JD Vance. The debate sparked controversy as both O’Donnell and Brennan included fact-checks, despite prior agreements that they would refrain from interjecting during the event.
Vance was questioned about his views on climate change, to which O’Donnell responded by asserting that “the overwhelming consensus among scientists is that the Earth’s climate is warming at an unprecedented rate.” Additionally, Brennan attempted to fact-check Vance regarding the presence of Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, a topic that had gained prominence during the Trump campaign.
In response to Vance’s comments about the situation in Springfield, Brennan clarified for the audience, stating, “Springfield, Ohio, does have a significant number of Haitian migrants who possess legal status, specifically Temporary Protected Status.” Nevertheless, Vance was determined to ensure that Brennan did not have the final say. He remarked, “But Margaret, the rules were that you guys weren’t going to fact-check, and since you’re fact-checking me, I think it’s important to say what’s actually going on.”
He elaborated, “There’s an application known as the CBP One app, which allows individuals entering illegally to apply for asylum or parole and receive legal status almost instantaneously, akin to the effect of a Kamala Harris open border policy.” He continued, “This is not comparable to someone applying for a green card and enduring a ten-year wait,” before being interrupted.
