Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Report: CBS To Move Scott Pelley Off 'Evening News'


The NY Post reports buzz is growing that Scott Pelley’s time as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” is coming to an end.

While CBS denies it, multiple sources tell Page Six that the network is planning to move Pelley over to “60 Minutes” — where he is already an anchor — full time, and replace him on the network’s flagship news broadcast.

According to insiders, the switch is ideal because the “60 Minutes” position is prestigious enough that the network wouldn’t have to deal with the p.r. headache of seeming to “demote” one of its most high-profile talents.

Despite rumors that Norah O’Donnell could be a favored candidate to take over for Pelley and become the sole female anchor of a major evening news program, we’re told, “She’s staying at ‘CBS This Morning’ [with Charlie Rose and Gayle King]. The ratings are strong, and they’re a great team.”

Although CBS insists ratings for Pelley — who’s helmed the newscast since 2011 — are more robust than ever, ratings this month reveal he’s down 4 percent overall year-over-year, and 7 percent in the coveted “key demographic” of viewers 25 to 54. Insiders say it’s “well known” Pelley and CBS News head David Rhodes have a rocky relationship, and Pelley is cozy with “60 Minutes” boss Jeff Fager.

A CBS rep said, “There’s no truth to this.”

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