Bari Weiss Faces Challenge in Selecting CBS Evening News Anchor

For over 50 years, CBS Evening News has represented a hallmark of journalistic integrity within the US television industry. Esteemed anchors like Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather have graced the screen, establishing a legacy that has shaped the network's reputation. However, in a significant shift, the responsibility now falls to Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor in chief of CBS News, who lacks prior television experience, to guide the future of this iconic program.

On Monday, John Dickerson, the co-anchor known for his prominence within the network, announced his departure at the year’s end. His exit leaves Maurice DuBois as the remaining anchor. While CBS has yet to clarify DuBois' status, industry insiders speculate that the network is likely to revert to a traditional single-anchor format, a model that could significantly influence the show's direction amidst the ongoing battle for viewership.

As CBS Evening News contends with dwindling ratings, the question arises: will Weiss and Tom Cibrowski, the network president, select an internal candidate or look externally to invigorate this struggling show? In an attempt to revitalize the program, the network introduced a new format in January that emphasized in-depth reporting over conventional hard news summaries. This strategy, however, failed to elevate the show from its persistent third-place standing behind ABC World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News, leading to further declines in viewership.

If CBS opts for an internal promotion, Tony Dokoupil, co-anchor of the morning show, is a strong contender, along with Norah O’Donnell, who led the evening news from 2019 to 2024. Both candidates possess the experience and familiarity with the network, yet Weiss appears to be leaning towards an external hire, aiming to inject fresh energy into the program.

Weiss has shown interest in several high-profile anchors to fill the role. However, many of these potential candidates are currently bound by contracts with their respective networks. For instance, Bret Baier of Fox News has confirmed his commitment to Fox through 2028, making him an unlikely option. Similarly, Anderson Cooper, an anchor at CNN, is also locked into a contract, although he maintains a relationship with CBS as a correspondent on 60 Minutes.

Another name in the mix is Dana Perino, another prominent figure from Fox News. Reports indicate that Weiss is keen on potentially bringing Perino aboard. However, like Baier, Perino’s contract extends well into the next decade, complicating matters. In a May appearance on Weiss’s podcast, Honesty with Bari Weiss, the two engaged in mutual admiration, with Weiss praising Perino’s character and professionalism. Perino reciprocated, expressing her appreciation for Weiss and her wife, Nellie Bowles, and highlighting the significance of their platform, the Free Press, in keeping her informed.

The impending decision on the next anchor of CBS Evening News marks a critical juncture for the program and the network. As it seeks to navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape and attract a broader audience, the choices made by Bari Weiss and Tom Cibrowski will undoubtedly shape the future of this storied broadcast. The challenge lies in balancing the legacy of CBS with innovative approaches that resonate with today’s viewers, a feat that will require both strategic insight and a keen understanding of the evolving television industry.