Norah O'Donnell Reportedly On The Chopping Block As 'CBS Evening News' Ratings Tank
Norah O'Donnell may be at risk of losing her chair at the CBS Evening News anchor desk.
According to a report from The New York Post, the network is reportedly looking for a new journalist to host the primetime news program after ratings with O'Donnell at the helm took a huge dip.
The news reporter – whose contract is up in the spring — has reportedly been paid a steep salary of $8 million per year. O'Donnell was also the deciding factor in moving the location of the show from New York City to Washington, DC, where her family mainly resides.
Insiders revealed to the outlet that with ratings allegedly being low, CBS executives are looking to cut unnecessary high costs. The network is also looking to move the program back to New York.
The president of CBS News, Neeraj Khemlani, was quick to shut these reports down. “There are no plans to move the Evening News from Washington,” the executive told the outlet.
“Norah’s presence in Washington has elevated the CBS Evening News’ coverage on all fronts — politics, breaking news, to big interviews including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen just last week,” Khemlani said regarding O'Donnell's status.
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The head of the network continued to praise the 60 Minutes correspondent as he cited her "reporting on the military and domestic abuse" that has "won awards and changed policies in Washington." He then added that "the program is gaining audience share.”
Despite Khemlani's heaps of praise, sources told The Post, “Neeraj [Khemlani] is charged with bringing down costs and boosting profits and he does not understand why the ‘Evening News’ is in DC.” A second source added, “They definitely want Norah out but have no clue how to replace her.”
O'Donnell took over anchor duties at CBS Evening News in July of 2019. The journalist had previously served as co-host at CBS This Morning since 2012.
