UPDATE: CBS News has just confirmed that Tony Dokoupil, co-host of “CBS Mornings,” will take over as anchor of “CBS Evening News” starting in January 2024. This pivotal move comes as the network seeks to revamp its evening broadcast following a turbulent year marked by significant viewer loss.
Dokoupil, 44, will officially leave his role at “CBS Mornings,” where he has co-hosted alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson. CBS is expected to announce this transition formally on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Insiders suggest that the morning show may undergo substantial changes, potentially leading to King and Burleson’s exit from the program.
The decision to elevate Dokoupil follows the recent announcement by co-anchor Maurice DuBois that he will depart the network, with his last day scheduled for December 18, 2023. DuBois’ unexpected Instagram announcement accelerated negotiations for Dokoupil’s promotion, according to sources. However, CBS President Tom Cibrowski has denied claims that DuBois acted without approval.
This shake-up at CBS comes after a notable drop in ratings, with the evening news show losing nearly 1 million viewers under the previous anchor duo of John Dickerson and DuBois. Ratings have been a point of concern, particularly after the program shifted focus to feature-style reporting akin to “60 Minutes,” leaving it behind in breaking news coverage.
Dokoupil has quickly risen through CBS ranks since joining as a New York correspondent in 2016. His tenure on “CBS Mornings” has been marked by both acclaim and controversy, notably for his heated interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. This interview drew internal criticism, reflecting the ongoing cultural clash within CBS News.
As CBS prepares for the new year, the network is expected to use temporary anchors for the evening news until Dokoupil officially steps into the role. Sources indicate that while Bari Weiss, the network’s editor in chief, supports Dokoupil’s promotion, she has also considered other candidates, including figures from competing networks.
The future of “CBS Mornings” remains uncertain, with expectations of significant changes in its format and host lineup. King, whose contract expires in May, may be offered a different role within CBS if she exits the morning show.
As CBS News navigates these changes, viewers will be watching closely to see how Dokoupil’s leadership impacts the evening broadcast and whether he can revitalize interest in the program. The challenges ahead are considerable, and CBS faces the pressing need to restore viewer trust and engagement amidst a competitive news landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
