In a significant shakeup for one of America's flagship newscasts, anchor Maurice DuBois has announced he is leaving the CBS Evening News. His departure, set for December 18, follows closely on the heels of his co-anchor, John Dickerson, who had previously revealed his own exit plans.
A Short-Lived Anchor Pairing Comes to an End
The professional partnership between DuBois and Dickerson lasted for less than a year, a period during which the broadcast faced stiff competition from rival networks. Their impending exits leave the evening news desk vacant as CBS scrambles to redefine its flagship program.
While DuBois struck a gracious tone in a social media farewell, stating on Instagram that he would “leave filled with gratitude, cherished relationships and amazing memories,” reports suggest the behind-the-scenes reality was more fraught. According to the New York Post, DuBois was informed by network executives that his position was being eliminated, which prompted him to make his own announcement independently.
Internal Turmoil and a Rush for Replacement
The tabloid's sources indicated that this move forced CBS News to accelerate internal negotiations to secure Tony Dokoupil, a co-host of “CBS Mornings,” as the new solo anchor. The report further suggested that hiring Dokoupil is a preference of the network's new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.
Weiss, a conservative former columnist for The New York Times, was reportedly hired to steer the network's editorial direction. She has also been linked to reported attempts to recruit prominent journalists like Scott Jennings, Bret Baier, and Anderson Cooper.
However, CBS President Tom Cibrowski has forcefully denied the New York Post's account. In a statement to CNN, Cibrowski asserted that he had collaborated with DuBois on the departure announcement for several weeks and expressed hope for future collaboration. Neither Dickerson nor DuBois has publicly stated a specific reason for leaving the broadcast.
What's Next for the Evening Newscast?
According to insiders speaking to the Post, CBS aims to finalize a contract with Tony Dokoupil and announce him as the sole anchor of the CBS Evening News in the near future. This move would mark a new chapter for the struggling broadcast.
DuBois concludes a substantial tenure with the company, having spent a combined 21 years working for CBS’s New York affiliate and the national network. His and Dickerson's departures within weeks of each other signal a period of significant transition and uncertainty for one of television's most established news programs.
