Tony Dokoupil: Potential Future Anchor of ‘CBS Evening News’?
Recent developments at CBS News suggest that Tony Dokoupil may be transitioning from mornings to evenings. Currently the co-host of “CBS Mornings,” Dokoupil has reportedly signed a new deal to take over as the anchor for “CBS Evening News.” Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity, indicated that an official announcement could occur as early as this week.
Tony Dokoupil’s Career Journey
Dokoupil, aged 44, joined CBS News in 2016 after spending three years at NBC. Since 2019, he has co-hosted “CBS Mornings.” The evening news program is expected to revert to a solo anchor format following the departure of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who are leaving CBS News later this month.
Leadership Changes and Future Direction
While the appointment of Dokoupil suggests continuity rather than a significant shift in editorial direction, there are discussions within CBS News about bringing in new names for anchor positions. Bari Weiss, the recently appointed editor in chief, has shown interest in acquiring outside talent. Potential candidates included Bret Baier of Fox News and CNN’s Anderson Cooper, though Cooper ultimately renewed his contract with CNN.
Controversy and Support for Dokoupil
Last year, Dokoupil faced controversy during an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates regarding Coates’ book, “The Message.” CBS News leadership criticized the interview for not aligning with the network’s editorial standards, following complaints from staff. The Free Press, a digital news site co-founded by Weiss, defended Dokoupil, describing him as vital to journalism and particularly to traditional news organizations facing pressure from new elite perspectives.
- Tony Dokoupil: Current co-host of “CBS Mornings” and potential future anchor of “CBS Evening News.”
- Age: 44 years old.
- Joined CBS News: 2016.
- Co-hosting “CBS Mornings” since: 2019.
- Departure of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois: Later this month.
Community Responses
Support for Dokoupil has come from various figures, including Shari Redstone, former majority shareholder in CBS News parent company Paramount. Redstone criticized the network’s handling of the editorial meeting where Dokoupil was admonished. The executives involved in that meeting, Wendy McMahon and Adrienne Roark, have since left CBS News.
As the announcement regarding Tony Dokoupil’s new role approaches, the media landscape remains keenly interested in how this transition will influence CBS Evening News and its programming strategy moving forward.
