Norah O’Donnell, anchor of the "CBS Evening News," is reportedly a leading contender to join "CBS Mornings" as a co-host, according to a report by Status.
O’Donnell, 52, has made a series of fill-in appearances on the morning program, sparking speculation about a potential permanent role. This comes seven years after she transitioned from co-anchoring "CBS This Morning" to lead the nightly broadcast. CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss reportedly views O’Donnell favorably for the position.
Sources cited by Status suggest O’Donnell has actively sought to build a relationship with Weiss. Previously, in February, reports indicated that CBS leadership, including Weiss, had asked O’Donnell to guest host "CBS Mornings" as the network considered changes to the program. At the time, a CBS source downplayed the possibility, stating O'Donnell was part of a rotating cast of fill-ins, but other insiders were less convinced.
The third co-host chair on "CBS Mornings" became vacant in January when Tony Dokoupil moved to "CBS Evening News." O’Donnell is now among a select group of candidates being seriously considered for the permanent role.
Other names reportedly in contention include Eva Pilgrim, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and CBS News anchor Kelly O’Grady. However, no final decision has been made.
Since Weiss assumed leadership of CBS News, O’Donnell's profile within the network has increased. She was recently named a full "60 Minutes" correspondent after serving as a contributor, and she launched "Healthful," a weekly podcast focusing on women's health topics.
O'Donnell's potential return to morning television occurs as "CBS Mornings" faces significant ratings challenges. The program, co-anchored by Gayle King and Nate Burleson, has seen a historic decline in viewership. Reports indicate the show recently averaged just under 1.6 million total viewers per week, dipping below that mark for the first time. It also recorded its lowest first quarter and worst May, and is on pace for its weakest June viewership on record.
This ratings slump follows the departure of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which previously provided a consistent lead-in audience for the morning program. The decline in late-night viewership has impacted "CBS Mornings" by reducing the number of viewers who might typically transition to the morning broadcast.
"CBS Mornings" has been operating without a permanent third host for months, with a series of guest anchors filling the seat alongside King and Burleson as CBS News leadership evaluates strategies to revitalize the franchise.