The future of broadcast news is at a crossroads, and the eyes of the industry are on CBS Evening News and its new leadership. Can Bari Weiss, the controversial editor-in-chief, save this iconic news program from its declining audience and the challenges of the modern media landscape?
In January 2025, CBS boldly declared a "new day" with a reimagined Evening News. A year later, the network is still grappling with turmoil, and the legacy broadcast news industry is facing an existential crisis. The big three networks - CBS, ABC, and NBC - are struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving news consumption habits of their audiences. Despite this, they seem reluctant to let go of their evening newscasts, a tradition dating back to the 1940s.
Evening news shows collectively lost a million viewers between 2024 and 2025, according to Nielsen. CBS Evening News, in particular, is struggling the most among its peers. This led to the hiring of Bari Weiss, who was tasked with overseeing the news operation and breathing new life into the program.
However, with increased attention comes heightened scrutiny. The new anchor, Tony Dokoupil, has faced criticism for his performance, with some describing him as "MAGA-coded" and mocking his mistakes. An experienced producer was fired, and Weiss's memos, leaked by a skeptical newsroom, have found their way onto social media, lacking context and nuance.
The challenge is not just about attracting viewers; it's about adapting to the 24/7 news cycle. Americans no longer rely on traditional news shows to stay informed; they turn to real-time updates and social media feeds. Michael X. Delli Carpini, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, sums it up: "The days of a few professional news organizations capturing the majority of public attention are over."
CBS is trying to adapt, but the spotlight is intense, and not always in the way Weiss would prefer. Dokoupil's first show, which debuted early due to Trump administration actions in Venezuela, was riddled with missteps. The Golden Globes even made jokes at the show's expense, and Dokoupil was criticized for his coverage of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Margaret Sullivan, a longtime journalist and media analyst, has been critical of the changes at CBS. She believes the newscast's treatment of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot anniversary was lacking, and she questions the promise of "We love America," arguing that true patriotism comes from challenging authority and holding the powerful accountable.
The debate over journalistic objectivity and patriotism is not new. Dan Rather, who succeeded Walter Cronkite at CBS, chose not to wear a U.S. flag pin, explaining that he had the flag "burned in his heart." Rather was respected as a tough and fair journalist, showing that one can be patriotic without displaying symbols.
Weiss, who left The New York Times over what she called "hostility to free speech," started The Free Press to fill what she saw as a gap in American journalism. In 2023, she wrote, "Do Americans still want real journalism? Fearless, fair, and independent reporting that treats readers as adults?"
Paramount Skydance bought The Free Press and installed Weiss at CBS News, despite critics questioning her lack of experience. The success or failure of CBS Evening News is seen as her first major test.
Dokoupil has landed big interviews, including with President Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. While some attempt to paint the newscast as "Trump TV," most analysts acknowledge Dokoupil's efforts to present multiple perspectives. However, the industry often denounces "bothsidesism," as trying too hard to be fair can be just as problematic as presenting only one side.
James Poniewozik, The New York Times' television critic, said Dokoupil and Weiss seem to be "willing to listen to conservatives and challenge liberals." This effort to bridge the political divide is a delicate balance.
Conservatives have long felt that their viewpoints are underrepresented in the media. Dokoupil acknowledges this lack of trust in an introductory video, saying, "People do not trust us like they used to."
The coverage of Weiss and CBS has been mixed, with some praising the program's improvement in objectivity and others criticizing it for its perceived political leanings. The first batch of ratings showed both good and bad news, with a slight increase from December but a decline from the previous year. CBS, however, emphasizes the increase in digital engagement, reflecting the changing metrics of television news.
The future of broadcast news is uncertain. The audience for evening newscasts is aging, and the rise of new media platforms has shifted news consumption habits. As Delli Carpini notes, the standards of journalism must remain, regardless of the format. The question is not whether a particular news format survives but whether high-quality journalism endures.
Can CBS Evening News adapt and thrive in this new media landscape? Only time will tell, but the journey promises to be both fascinating and challenging.
