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Mary Hager to Retire from CBS News After 35 Years
Confirmed
In Short: Mary Hager, who has led CBS News' 'Face the Nation' for 15 years, will retire in January.
Mary Hager, who has led CBS News' 'Face the Nation' for the past 15 years, will depart the network in January, according to Deadline. Hager joined CBS News in 1991 as a researcher in the political unit.
Hager previously served as senior producer of 'Face the Nation' and was the producer for Bob Schieffer when he was chief Washington correspondent.
As executive editor of politics since 2022, Hager has played a significant role in shaping CBS News' political coverage across its platforms.
During her tenure, Hager has helped guide CBS News' coverage of presidential elections and political debates, including the 2024 vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz.
Hager was elevated to senior executive producer in February 2025, when Anne Hsu took over day-to-day production as executive producer.
Hager’s retirement has been known internally for some time, while Hsu will remain with the network in an overseas role.
Hager’s departure comes as 'Face the Nation' has seen a surge in viewership among the coveted 26-54 demographic, despite a slight overall decline in viewership compared to last season.
In recent years, Hager placed emphasis on the quality of newsmaker bookings and discussions at 'Face the Nation,' believing that audiences were growing tired of some of the theatrics at the networks’ Sunday mainstays.
Hager’s retirement was said to be planned and not due to pressure or differences in vision.
Hager’s departure surfaces while the management of CBS News under a new owner, Skydance, has come under scrutiny.
What this adds
Hager's retirement marks the end of a 35-year career at CBS News, during which she held various roles including researcher, senior producer, and executive editor of politics.
What's confirmed
- As executive editor of politics since 2022, Hager has helped oversee the network’s political coverage across its platforms, giving her a broader role in shaping CBS News’ Washington reporting.
What's still developing
- Status first reported Hager’s departure Wednesday, which TheWrap independently confirmed.
- Mary Hager, the longtime political-news guru and behind-the-scenes force at CBS News and its Sunday public-affairs program, “ Face the Nation,” will retire from the program in January, according to two people familiar with the matter.
- She will leave “Nation” as the show is faring well in the ratings.