After the surprise departure of long-time anchor Norah O’Donnell, “CBS Evening News” is undergoing a major redesign. The show will move back to New York after the upcoming election, with Bill Owens, executive producer of ‘60 Minutes,’ taking on oversight of the evening newscast. John Dickerson, CBS News’ political correspondent and streaming anchor, and Maurice DuBois, WCBS New York anchor, will join as the new co-anchors. Guy Campanile will step in as the new executive producer, with Jerry Cipriano serving as senior producer.
The revamped broadcast will relocate to CBS’s Broadcast Center in New York, returning to its original home. Owens and McMahon emphasize the strategic use of Dickerson’s political acumen and DuBois’ extensive field experience. The show will also feature an ensemble team of correspondents, including Margaret Brennan, Jim Axelrod, Steve Hartman, and WCBS weather anchor Lonnie Quinn.
Owens aims to infuse the “60 Minutes” ethos into the “Evening News,” focusing on in-depth reporting and reduced filler. The new format will emphasize more substantial content and interactive elements between anchors and correspondents.
The changes reflect CBS News’ response to evolving media consumption habits. In a memo to CBS News staff, McMahon highlighted the goal of redefining the evening newscast to meet current audience expectations. Owens, who was not initially seeking a new role, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to innovate within the newscast’s framework.