Norah O'Donnell, the anchor of CBS Evening News, has announced her departure from the role after a notable decline in viewership and a significant salary reduction.
In a memo to her colleagues, O'Donnell expressed her intent to leave behind the managing editor position following the upcoming presidential election, indicating a desire for new opportunities within CBS News as a senior correspondent.
O'Donnell has led CBS Evening News since 2019 but has faced mounting challenges. Recent reports highlight her average viewership of 4.3 million, starkly trailing competitors David Muir at ABC and Lester Holt at NBC, who draw 7.6 million and 6.2 million viewers, respectively.
She endured a hefty pay cut from $8 million to $3.8 million during negotiations last year, showcasing the network's struggles and indicative of a broader trend. Alongside her salary reduction, CBS reportedly considered replacing her with Brian Williams, who declined the offer.
This transition occurs amid a shifting media landscape, with CBS grappling with plummeting ratings and the rise of digital platforms, which have transformed how audiences consume news.
In her farewell, O'Donnell reflected on her time as anchor, noting it was a time of rapid change for journalism, stating, “It’s time for something different.”
The evolving dynamics at CBS come at a pivotal point, as the network aims to reestablish its reputation and adapt to the realities of today’s media environment. With O'Donnell’s exit, CBS must now navigate an important decision on how to fill the anchor position in an era where traditional viewership continues to dwindle.
Sources:
outkick.comjustthenews.comcnn.com