After 18 months on the job, Zev Shalev produced his final “Early Show” for CBS News this morning. Shalev tells TVNewser his short tenure at CBS came during “one of the most interesting periods of news.” The economic collapse, election and inauguration of Barack Obama and the death of Michael Jackson just some of the highlights.

“I believe we’ve done a good job in making this show a real contender,” says Shalev, mindful of the “small but mighty team” that produces the broadcast. “The unsung heroes of CBS News,” he calls them.

Shalev says he had “an emotional but satisfying goodbye” with his team, as he already looks to what’s next.

• WebNewser has more on Shalev’s new project — NewsTsar.

• Related: CBS Parts Ways with “Early Show” EP