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Norah O’Donnell’s exit from “CBS Evening News” was unexpected but not surprising. The network plans to replace her with a new lineup of co-anchors, including John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, aiming to bring more local news perspectives to the national program. This shift aligns with CBS’s broader strategy to integrate local stations’ anchors into their evening news operation as part of cost-cutting measures after being acquired by Skydance Media.
While some viewers welcome the change, others criticize the new hosts for potential bias and outdated programming. Margaret Brennan, one of the new hosts, has been criticized for her abrasive interviewing style, particularly with conservatives. The replacement program also faces criticism from viewers who feel it repeats predictable formats from other networks.
The departure of O’Donnell, a respected journalist known for her balanced reporting, leaves a void in what many see as a biased news landscape. Critics argue that CBS is repeating its mistakes from other stations by offering repetitive programming and failing to address systemic issues like homelessness or poverty.
While some viewers, like Rob Marciano, appreciate the change, others remain skeptical of the new lineup’s ability to provide fresh content. The replacement program seems to rely heavily on outdated formats and hosts with questionable expertise, leading to calls for more diverse journalism.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/norah-odonnell-exits-cbs-evening-news-hard-pivot-1236284034