Inside Edition's Deborah Norville stuns viewers with unexpected announcement of her departure after three decades of dedicated service in broadcast journalism.

The Independent reports that the 66-year-old veteran journalist, who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving female anchor on U.S. television, revealed her decision to exit the show during Wednesday's broadcast.

The surprising announcement came after CBS made efforts to retain its star anchor. Despite receiving what she described as a generous offer to continue her role, Norville expressed her desire to pursue new opportunities that would not be possible while maintaining her current position. Her final appearance on the show will mark the conclusion of the current season.

Three decades of groundbreaking journalism

Norville's journey with CBS began in 1992 when she joined as a correspondent for Street Stories and 48 Hours. Her exceptional coverage of the 1993 Mississippi floods earned her a second Emmy Award, adding to her first Emmy received during her time at NBC's Today show for covering the Romanian Revolution.

The accomplished journalist took over the hosting duties of Inside Edition from Bill O'Reilly in 1995. Under her leadership, the show experienced a remarkable 15 percent increase in ratings, maintaining its strong viewership throughout her tenure.

Throughout her impressive career, Norville has covered numerous historic events, including the September 11 attacks and royal weddings. Her dedication to journalism has earned her multiple accolades and recognition from industry peers.

Distinguished career and remarkable achievements

Norville shared her thoughts about leaving the show with viewers, expressing gratitude for her time at Inside Edition. Norville stated:

It has been an honor and a privilege to be at Inside for all these years. A milestone like this is a time for reflection, and on reflection, I've decided that now's the time for me to move on from Inside Edition. They made me a lovely offer to stay, but there are things I'd like to do and places I wanna do them that continuing here don't permit.

The veteran journalist's contributions to broadcast journalism extend beyond her on-air presence. She authored several books, including the best-selling "Thank You Power: Making the SCIENCE of Gratitude Work for YOU" in 2007. Her induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2016 and recent receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America in 2024 further cement her legacy.

Legacy of excellence in broadcast journalism

The show, currently in its 37th season, has maintained its popularity by delivering a diverse mix of content, including breaking news, investigations, and true crime stories. Norville's dedication to quality journalism has been instrumental in the program's continued success.

Her impact on broadcast journalism extends far beyond ratings and awards. As the longest-serving female anchor on U.S. television, she has inspired countless aspiring journalists and broken barriers in a male-dominated industry.

The show's consistent high ratings throughout her tenure demonstrate her ability to connect with viewers while maintaining journalistic integrity. Her coverage of major historical events has helped shape public understanding of complex issues.

Farewell to a broadcasting icon

Deborah Norville's departure from Inside Edition marks the end of an era in broadcast journalism. The veteran anchor's decision to step down comes after an illustrious 30-year career with the show, during which she established herself as the longest-serving female anchor on U.S. television.

While Norville has hinted at exciting future projects, she will conclude her tenure at the end of the current season. Her departure from Inside Edition opens a new chapter in her career, with the accomplished journalist expressing enthusiasm about pursuing opportunities that were previously not possible due to her commitments to the show.