Norah O’Donnell’s Shocking Departure from CBS Evening News: Controversy, Criticism, and Support

Norah O’Donnell, the veteran anchor known for her thoughtful commentary and insightful analysis, is stepping down from her role as anchor of CBS Evening News after 12 years. However, her emotional farewell has sparked an unexpected wave of controversy, leaving fans and critics alike questioning the circumstances surrounding her departure. While many viewers expressed admiration for her contributions, others sharply criticized her departure, accusing her of bias and questioning her journalistic integrity.

An Emotional Goodbye and Sudden Criticism

In her tearful farewell broadcast on Thursday night, O’Donnell described her time as the main anchor as “the honor of a lifetime.” Her tenure as anchor, which began in 2019, came after years of establishing herself as a trusted journalist at NBC News. “It has been an incredible five and a half years,” she said, reflecting on her time at the helm of CBS’s flagship evening news program. However, what should have been a moment of appreciation for her work turned into a battleground for fierce criticism.

Some viewers took to social media to voice their displeasure with O’Donnell, accusing her of being biased against former President Donald Trump. “Nora, seriously, you are not a journalist. You are a joke,” one commenter on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. Others echoed similar sentiments, labeling CBS as “unwatchable” and accusing the network of promoting a “biased” agenda. The critiques weren’t limited to her farewell message but also referenced her performance during the vice-presidential debate, which she moderated with fellow CBS anchor Margaret Brennan.

The VP Debate Fallout

O’Donnell and Brennan found themselves at the center of backlash after the vice-presidential debate on October 1, where they interrupted the discussion between JD Vance and Tim Walz to fact-check mid-debate. This move was seen by many as an unprecedented step that went against CBS’s initial claim of not conducting mid-debate corrections. The incident fueled accusations of bias, with Trump himself calling out O’Donnell as “extremely biased” and referring to her as a “liar” on Truth Social.

Trump’s criticism of O’Donnell wasn’t confined to just the debate, as he questioned why she was still on air despite what he suggested were low ratings. “I thought Norah was fired from CBS for low ratings. Why is she still on?” Trump posted at the time. This, along with his subsequent remarks about her being “biased and mean,” added fuel to the fire for those questioning O’Donnell’s journalistic credibility.

O’Donnell’s Future: A Shift Away from the Spotlight

In July 2024, O’Donnell announced that she would leave her position as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News after the 2024 presidential election, coinciding with a broader overhaul at the network. O’Donnell’s departure follows a series of significant cuts at CBS, including a reduction in her salary, reportedly from $8 million to $3.8 million in 2022. Despite these challenges, O’Donnell’s next chapter at CBS involves a transition to working on long-form stories and contributing to primetime specials like Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes.

O’Donnell’s time as the anchor of CBS Evening News was marked by a period of declining ratings for the network, which has struggled to compete with ABC’s World News Tonight and NBC’s NBC Nightly News, often finishing in third place. The shift in her career trajectory signals CBS’s move toward a more digital-centric approach, an attempt to keep pace with the changing dynamics of news consumption.

A Changing Media Landscape

O’Donnell’s exit from the anchor desk also comes as CBS, along with other media outlets, faces a major restructuring due to mergers and financial cutbacks. CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, laid off thousands of employees in 2024 amid its merger with Skydance Media, and as a result, cutbacks were made across the company, including in its news division. In addition to the network’s pivot toward digital content, these changes have left many wondering what the future of traditional broadcast journalism will look like.

O’Donnell’s salary cut and subsequent departure could be seen as a reflection of the challenges facing legacy news networks as they struggle to adapt to new media formats and shifting viewer habits. Many have questioned if such moves will result in a greater focus on digital-first news, potentially rendering traditional broadcast journalism less relevant in the eyes of younger generations.

Supporters Speak Out

While the criticisms surrounding O’Donnell’s farewell have been loud and intense, many viewers have expressed their admiration for her journalism and her contribution to CBS News. “Really going to miss her,” one supporter wrote on X. “What an icon she is. Best wishes to her!” Another added, “This will be the biggest regret for CBS News. Norah is hands down the best of all news media.”

Despite the backlash, it’s clear that O’Donnell has earned a loyal fan base over the years. Her emotional goodbye resonated with many who have followed her career closely, and it’s likely that her next steps in journalism will continue to inspire audiences.

The Future of CBS News and Its Anchors

As CBS navigates its ongoing transformation, O’Donnell’s departure is just one part of a broader shake-up within the news industry. With CBS moving away from its longstanding anchor model and embracing a more flexible approach to news delivery, it remains to be seen how viewers will respond to these changes. The ongoing conversation about O’Donnell’s exit reveals how deeply connected audiences are to the personalities who deliver their nightly news and how those connections shape the public perception of network news.

For O’Donnell, her journey is far from over. Whether her new role in long-form storytelling and primetime specials will be a fit remains to be seen, but it’s clear that her departure marks a pivotal moment in both her career and the future direction of CBS News.