CBS Evening News has a new face, and it’s one that’s already stirring up conversation. In a bold move, Tony Dokoupil, the co-host of CBS Mornings, has been tapped to anchor the network’s struggling evening broadcast starting January 5th. This decision comes at a critical time for CBS, which has been lagging behind competitors NBC and ABC in the ratings war. But here’s where it gets controversial: Dokoupil’s appointment follows a tumultuous period for the network, marked by anchor departures, format changes, and even internal disputes over journalistic integrity.
Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, has made revitalizing the evening news a top priority. In her initial weeks, Weiss explored external candidates like Bret Baier and Dana Perino from Fox News, but contractual obligations kept them out of reach. Turning inward, Dokoupil, 44, emerged as a strong contender alongside Norah O’Donnell, who previously anchored the show from 2019 to 2025. The choice was also urgent, as the show’s recent dual-anchor format—featuring John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois—failed to resonate with viewers, and both anchors have since announced their departures.
Weiss praised Dokoupil’s commitment to traditional journalism, stating, ‘We live in a time when many have lost trust in the media. Tony Dokoupil is the person to win it back.’ She highlighted his dedication to asking tough questions, following facts, and holding power accountable—values she believes will appeal to Americans seeking fairness. Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News, echoed this sentiment, calling Dokoupil ‘authentic, compassionate, and unafraid.’
Dokoupil’s journey to this role hasn’t been without controversy. In the fall of 2024, he faced significant backlash after a contentious interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. During the exchange, Dokoupil suggested Coates’ book could be found in an ‘extremist’s backpack,’ sparking viral outrage on social media. The situation escalated when Adrienne Roark, a top CBS News executive, criticized the interview for violating impartiality guidelines. However, Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, swiftly rebuked this stance, calling it a ‘bad mistake.’
And this is the part most people miss: CBS Evening News has been a revolving door for anchors over the past 15 years, with one staffer jokingly comparing the role to ‘the electric chair.’ From Dan Rather’s controversial exit in 2005 to Katie Couric’s five-year stint, and Scott Pelley’s abrupt ousting, the position has been notoriously unstable. Even Norah O’Donnell’s high-profile move to Washington, D.C., failed to significantly boost viewership. The latest experiment—a format prioritizing longer, politically detached segments under Bill Owens—also fell flat.
As Dokoupil steps into this challenging role, he’s promised a commitment to ‘trust and the plain truth.’ CBS plans to kick off his tenure with a cross-country tour, aiming to reconnect with audiences. But will it be enough? With a history of turmoil and a media landscape more divided than ever, Dokoupil’s success is far from guaranteed. Is he the right person to revive CBS Evening News, or is this just another chapter in the network’s ongoing struggle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
