CBS Evening News Loses Over a Million Viewers Under Bari Weiss
The CBS Evening News has experienced a significant drop in viewership, losing over a million viewers in its first week under new anchor Tony Dokoupil. This decline comes in the wake of controversial editorial changes since the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief in October.
Viewership Decline Statistics
According to Nielsen, CBS’s “Evening News” show lost nearly 25% of its audience during the week of January 5 to January 9, compared to the same period last year. The data reveals:
- Last year, the show averaged 5.4 million viewers daily.
- This year, that number dropped to approximately 4.17 million.
The demographic of viewers aged 25 to 54—a key target group for advertisers—also suffered a considerable dip. Viewership in this age range fell from 690,000 to 533,000.
Impact of Bari Weiss’s Appointment
Bari Weiss’s tenure has been marked by a visible right-wing pivot, aligning the network’s editorial stance with Trump-friendly narratives. Analysts have suggested that the recent changes may alienate traditional audiences, as shown by declining viewer numbers.
Controversial Decisions and Scandals
Weiss has faced criticism for several editorial choices, including the abrupt cancellation of a “60 Minutes” episode intended to expose harsh conditions in El Salvador’s prisons. Under Dokoupil’s leadership, the tone of the program has shifted, favoring right-wing figures and narratives.
