Reports indicate that CBS News President Tom Cibrowski is planning substantial alterations to the “Evening News” format, potentially phasing out one of the dual anchors currently in place.
Sources in the industry suggest that either John Dickerson or Maurice DuBois might be removed from their roles as anchors as part of these changes.
This move comes amid CBS’s efforts to navigate the competitive evening news environment. Dickerson and DuBois, who have co-anchored since the network adopted this format earlier in the year, each bring distinct strengths to the broadcast.
Dickerson, formerly the host of “Face the Nation” and a CBS News correspondent, joined the “Evening News” as part of strategic programming shifts. DuBois transitioned from WCBS-TV in New York, where he was a well-known local news anchor, to the national stage.
The potential reduction to a single anchor reflects broader trends in the industry toward more streamlined news formats and cost-saving measures. Various networks have experimented with anchor arrangements to enhance both production efficiency and audience engagement.
Cibrowski is reportedly assessing various aspects of the broadcast’s performance, which may lead to changes beyond just the anchor positions, possibly affecting other parts of the show’s format and presentation.
Since the January 27 debut with the Dickerson-DuBois team, ratings have seen a decline, according to Nielsen data. The program launched with 5.2 million viewers but averaged 4.8 million in its first week.
By the second week, viewership decreased by roughly 300,000, and by the week ending February 16, the program attracted just under 4.5 million viewers.
A source close to CBS News indicated that the drop in viewership was “not a surprise.”
“When there is an anchor change, traditionally there is a dip in ratings,” the source stated.
Industry analysts point out that evening news programs are under increasing pressure to stay relevant and retain viewers in a dynamic media environment. Traditional networks are not only competing with each other but also with cable news, streaming services, and digital platforms for audience attention.
The timing of these potential changes aligns with ongoing shifts in how viewers consume media. Networks frequently reassess programming strategies to cater to evolving audience demographics, particularly as younger viewers increasingly use digital platforms for news.
Representatives from CBS News and spokespeople for Dickerson and DuBois have not issued official comments on the rumored changes. The network typically remains discreet about internal decisions until formal announcements are made.
The dual-anchor format has been employed by various news organizations to offer diverse perspectives and attract wider audiences. However, some experts argue that a single-anchor format may help establish a stronger brand identity and a more distinct editorial voice for evening news broadcasts.
Production considerations also play a role in anchor decisions. While single-anchor formats generally require fewer resources, dual-anchor setups can offer greater flexibility in story presentation and coverage duties.
The potential restructuring is part of CBS News’s strategy in the evening news ratings competition against NBC Nightly News and ABC World News Tonight. Each network regularly adjusts its programming to maintain or improve its market position.
In 2024, veteran anchor Jeff Glor, who co-hosted “CBS Saturday Morning” since 2019 and previously anchored “CBS Evening News,” was let go amid budget reductions at Paramount Global. This was part of a broader downsizing that impacted several correspondents, including Anna Werner, Roxana Saberi, and senior investigative reporter Catherine Herridge, as around 20 CBS staff members were laid off in February.
In mid-May of this year, CBS News quietly removed three long-time leadership roles: Andre Rodriguez (North Bureau Chief), Maryhelen Campa (Southern Region Bureau Chief), and Chad Cross, Senior VP of Beats & Enterprise. All had years of service at the network and were dismissed as part of a centralization directive driven by financial pressures and an ongoing merger with Skydance.
