Norah O’Donnell Lobbies For Comeback

Reports suggest Norah O’Donnell is attempting a significant return to CBS, months after stepping down as anchor of CBS Evening News in January 2025. 

According to sources, O’Donnell is “lobbying hard” to reclaim a prominent role at the network, possibly eyeing her former anchor position.

However, insiders tell Raradonline.com her efforts are viewed skeptically, with some calling her “delusional” for believing she can return to the top spot.

They cite her alleged toxic attitude and strained relationships with colleagues as factors that contributed to her initial departure, alongside declining ratings.

O’Donnell, who anchored CBS Evening News for five years, transitioned to a senior correspondent role, contributing to programs like 60 Minutes. Her exit coincided with a major network shake-up following Paramount’s acquisition by Skydance Media, which has led to changes in leadership and programming.

Sources indicate that the new Skydance executives are focused on moving forward, not revisiting past talent, with one insider stating, “Norah is yesterday’s news.”

Additionally, allegations of a challenging work environment under her tenure have resurfaced, with claims that she was “cold” and “tough to work with,” burning bridges at the network.

Despite her ambitions, CBS has shifted CBS Evening News to a new format with co-anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, moving the broadcast back to New York from Washington, D.C.

The network’s ratings have struggled since O’Donnell’s departure, with a reported 14% year-over-year drop and a 24% decline in the key 25-54 demographic, but insiders attribute this to broader format changes rather than her absence.

O’Donnell’s reported comeback attempt has sparked mixed reactions, with some dismissing it as unrealistic given the network’s current direction.