Former CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell is telling those around her that a triumphant return to her old job is only a matter of time — but network insiders paint a very different picture.
According to multiple sources within CBS, O’Donnell, 50, has been making quiet overtures to executives in the hopes of regaining her primetime slot. However, those efforts have reportedly fallen flat, with many saying the veteran journalist’s time at the network left behind more scorched earth than lasting impact.
“She’s living in a dream world,” one senior CBS source said bluntly. “She’s calling around, reaching out to top people — but nobody’s interested.”
O’Donnell, who took over the Evening News anchor chair in 2019, was removed from the role in 2024 amid declining viewership and behind-the-scenes friction. At the time, network leadership cited a “strategic reorganization” as the reason for her departure. But now, with a corporate merger looming and leadership eager to refresh the brand, insiders say there’s zero interest in bringing her back.
CBS sources say ‘the door is closed’
Several sources point to O’Donnell’s frosty relationships within the newsroom as one of the key reasons she’s unlikely to return.
“She was cold, difficult, and burned a lot of bridges,” a former producer said. “Even if she had great ratings — and she didn’t — people just don’t want to work with her.”
Insiders add that the network is now searching for on-air talent who are bold, relatable, and easy to collaborate with. One insider noted that the next face of the Evening News needs to embody warmth and likability — qualities that critics say O’Donnell lacked.
Although she has not commented publicly on her intentions, O’Donnell reportedly believes her journalistic pedigree and history with the network will eventually pave the way for a comeback.
She’s said to have told friends and colleagues that CBS needs her voice in its nightly broadcast and that the show isn’t the same without her.
A new era leaves old anchors behind
But with CBS undergoing major internal changes, and the television news landscape evolving faster than ever, industry insiders say nostalgia is not enough.
“There’s just no appetite for her anymore,” one longtime CBS insider explained. “It’s not personal — it’s business. She doesn’t fit the new direction.”
Still, O’Donnell appears undeterred. As sources claim, she continues to position herself for a return — even if she’s the only one who believes it’s possible.
For now, CBS is keeping its focus on reinvention, and that likely means leaving the past, and O’Donnell, behind.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.