CBS Evening News anchor Jeff Glor largely sidestepped news that his bosses intend to replace him with ‘CBS This Morning’ host Norah O’Donnell, telling viewers Monday that he is grateful for their support and that he will share more at a later date.
“As we close tonight, a brief word: You may have heard about changes taking place here at CBS News, about moves that impact colleagues, the unmatched Evening News team, and me. The outpouring of support from you has been everything,” he said at the close of the Monday evening broadcast.
“I like to think we are all guided by something bigger than one moment and one broadcast. I have always wanted to do work that matters, and still do,” he continued, “That is something that will never change. I have family, friends, and — in the future — far more to share with all of you. It will be great. I promise, just as you are. Thank you all for watching.”
The announcement suggests Glor will remain tight lipped as he negotiates with CBS News about what his future at the network will be. Earlier Monday, “CBS This Morning” anchor Gayle King confirmed days of speculation that Glor would be out of the anchor’s chair on the “Evening News” and be replaced by O’Donnell.
O’Donnell is expected to formally take the job over the summer and will move with the show from New York City to Washington, D.C. O’Donnell will also become the network’s lead anchor for political coverage and a contributing correspondent for “60 Minutes.”
“It is incredibly humbling to accept this position,” O’Donnell said on set at “CBS This Morning” Monday. “I don’t stand on the shoulders of my colleagues, they carry me on their backs.” The show also confirmed that King’s other co-anchor John Dickerson would move full time to “60 Minutes” at a correspondent. O’Donnell and King will be replaced by Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil
The “Evening News,” like most of CBS News’ programs, has been beset by low ratings for more than a year and a broad spectrum of media waters told TheWrap in January that the the first priority for the network’s new boss Susan Zirinsky must be turning that around.
In a press release, Zirinsky thanked Glor for his work, and said the network was discussion new options with him.
“We are grateful to Jeff Glor for his award-winning work and his commitment to both his colleagues and to our viewers,” Zirinsky said. “As we transition the Evening News to Washington, we are discussing opportunities for Jeff to remain with CBS News and continue providing the same substantive, trusted reporting that he has been offering for the past 12 years.”