With Scott Pelley leaving the anchor chair of the CBS Evening News, Anthony Mason has been named interim anchor of the program.
Pelley is moving off Evening News and returning to his full-time role with 60 Minutes.
“Scott brought the best values of 60 Minutes to the CBS Evening News, and we thank him for his commitment to the journalism of this broadcast every night these past six years,” said CBS News president David Rhodes. “The milestone 50th season of 60 Minutes requires Scott’s full contribution, and we look forward to important reporting from him for many years to come.”
“It is exciting for all of us, and good for our viewers, that he will be focusing all of his efforts on 60 Minutes,” added Jeff Fager, executive producer of the nation’s No. 1 newsmagazine.
Pelley took over the Evening News from Katie Couric on June 6, 2011. The broadcast, long stuck in third place, grew its audience in each of the first five seasons, before seeing audience reduction this past season, which all three evening newscasts have experienced.
“Scott’s tenure has been one of the finest chapters in the history of this storied broadcast,” said Steve Capus, Executive Editor of CBS News and Executive Producer of the CBS Evening News. “Scott’s commitment to outstanding journalism, enterprise reporting and memorable storytelling has propelled the CBS Evening News to new heights and made the broadcast a showcase for excellence.”
As he takes on the Evening News, Mason, a 25-year CBS News veteran, will continue to co-anchor CBS This Morning: Saturday alongside Alex Wagner.