Norah O’Donnell to Host CBS Morning

Norah O’Donnell is set to host “CBS Morning” next week, which has sparked discussions about a possible return to the show after being away for seven years, sources informed The Post.

O’Donnell previously co-hosted the highly-rated morning show, known then as “CBS This Morning,” alongside Gayle King and Charlie Rose. She will step back into hosting duties during a promotional tour for her book.

What’s unclear, however, is whether this hosting stint is a trial run to evaluate the dynamic between King, O’Donnell, and co-host Nate Burleson, especially as network leaders contemplate a revamp of the struggling show.

Sources close to CBS downplayed the idea of her permanent return, suggesting she is merely filling in temporarily until a third co-host is appointed.

Yet, some insiders disagree with this assessment.

Two individuals familiar with the situation noted that CBS executives, including Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, have specifically requested O’Donnell’s presence at “CBS Morning” from Monday through Wednesday, despite her busy schedule.

Those familiar with the matter pointed out that O’Donnell and King attracted strong ratings during their time together, raising the question of whether she might return permanently as a host.

One CBS official remarked, “If you’re promoting a book, just do a segment about it. You don’t necessarily need to co-host,” hinting that the network could be testing different personalities for potential changes ahead.

CBS News has chosen not to comment on the matter.

Weiss and CBS News President Tom Sibrowski are exploring ways to refresh ratings and programming while keeping costs manageable, which could lead to significant changes, including the potential removal of King from the show.

One CBS insider speculated that bringing back O’Donnell might be a strategy to push King into agreeing to a reduced contract. “Is this a warning shot?” the insider pondered.

There seems to be a consensus that “CBS Morning” is poised for substantial changes. “They’re figuring out all the moving parts,” said a source.

Previously, reports indicated that King’s salary—estimated between $13 million and $15 million—was considered excessive and he might be transitioned to a lower-paying role, perhaps as a special correspondent. Burleson, too, could see changes, given his multi-million income.

O’Donnell, at 52, kicks off a 13-city book tour next week for her publication, “We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America,” and is set for an event on the Upper East Side.

After her hosting duties on Tuesday, she will head to Boston, return to New York for Wednesday’s show, and then travel to Baltimore for another book event.

Having been a prominent figure at CBS, O’Donnell has remained somewhat on the sidelines since departing as anchor of “CBS Evening News” last year. However, she continues to contribute to “60 Minutes” and has conducted interviews on various pressing issues.

The expectations for “CBS Morning” are oriented towards a makeover following changes in leadership at “CBS Evening News.” There’s a recognition that significant shifts in programming might be necessary as they search for new directions.

As for O’Donnell’s career, sources indicate it’s rejuvenating under Weiss, and she is eager to reclaim a more prominent role within the network.

Before moving to the Evening News, O’Donnell co-hosted “CBS This Morning” with King and Rose from 2012 to 2017, where they achieved notable ratings success. The show saw a nearly 50% increase in viewers since its relaunch in 2012, even reaching its highest ratings in decades in February 2016.

Unfortunately, after Rose’s departure in 2017 amid allegations, viewership began to decline. O’Donnell left the morning show two years later, and since then, ratings have continued to struggle, averaging around 1.8 million viewers recently. Critics cite the show’s focus as skewed towards coastal audiences rather than appealing to a wider demographic.

In January, changes in hosting personnel further stirred the waters, leaving the future of the program uncertain as they navigate these evolving dynamics.