In a stunning shakeup, CBS has reportedly fired prominent debate moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan, following heated criticism of their recent performances. Sources close to the network claim that the decision was made after intense internal discussions, with CBS executives branding the two as “a disgrace to their profession” due to their handling of high-profile debates.

The move comes as a surprise to many, considering O’Donnell and Brennan’s longstanding roles at the network and their reputations as seasoned journalists. Both have helmed major CBS programs—O’Donnell as the anchor of CBS Evening News and Brennan as the moderator of Face the Nation. However, recent backlash over their performance as debate moderators seems to have tipped the scales against them.

Critics of their moderation style argue that they failed to maintain control during debates, allowing candidates to frequently speak over each other and sidestep crucial questions. The perceived lack of authority and inability to steer the conversation in a meaningful direction led to a barrage of negative feedback from both viewers and political commentators. “It was chaotic, and they seemed completely out of their depth,” said one analyst.

According to insiders, CBS executives felt that the moderators’ approach did not align with the network’s standards for professionalism and journalistic integrity. “We expect our moderators to uphold the highest standards in such critical settings. This decision reflects our commitment to quality journalism,” a source within CBS reportedly stated.

The sudden firing has already sparked debate among media circles. Some believe that the network is using O’Donnell and Brennan as scapegoats to deflect from broader criticisms of how media outlets handle political coverage. Others argue that the decision is a long-overdue move, pointing to declining ratings and public trust in the network’s political programming.

Despite the controversy, CBS has yet to release an official statement regarding the departures, leaving room for speculation about what truly led to the abrupt change. O’Donnell and Brennan have also remained silent, not yet addressing the reports of their dismissal or responding to the pointed criticism from CBS executives.

For viewers, the departure of two of CBS’s most recognizable faces marks a significant shift, raising questions about the future direction of the network’s political coverage. Will CBS introduce new faces to restore credibility, or is this the beginning of a deeper overhaul in how they approach journalism in a polarized media landscape?

As the dust settles, the focus now turns to who will fill the vacant roles and how CBS will attempt to rebuild its reputation in the wake of this internal drama. One thing is clear—this decision marks a turning point for the network, leaving both supporters and critics eager to see what comes next in this unfolding media saga.