Change is in the air at CBS News, and not everyone is thrilled.
The network, long known for its traditional liberal leanings, is navigating a dramatic leadership shift that has left some staffers worried and outspoken.
Critics inside CBS are describing the new editorial direction under recent management as a “total disaster,” raising questions about the network’s future tone and approach.
The turbulence began after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, was acquired by billionaire David Ellison, a known Trump ally.
Since then, the network has experienced a series of changes, most notably hiring Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of the news division—a move that signals a clear pivot in editorial philosophy.
Tony Dokupil Takes the Evening News Helm
CBS Evening News has also welcomed a new anchor. Tony Dokupil stepped into the role this week, replacing John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois.
His debut featured a series of segments focusing on prominent figures in the Trump administration, including Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, and Kristi Noem.
The numbers show that Dokupil’s debut attracted 4.4 million viewers, with 596,000 in the coveted 25–54 demographic.
That represents a 9% increase in total viewers and a 20% gain in the key demographic compared to the program’s average under the previous anchors.
While the broadcast still trails behind ABC World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News, the ratings suggest some viewers are curious about the network’s new direction.
Skepticism Among Staffers
Despite the boost in viewership, internal dissent is brewing.
Multiple sources told journalist Oliver Darcy of Status News that CBS is “led by unserious people” seemingly eager to take the network in a direction more friendly to the Trump administration.
Historically, CBS News has leaned liberal, with a 2014 Pew Research survey finding over half of its audience identifying as consistently liberal.
The appointment of Dokupil as anchor and Weiss as editor-in-chief has many insiders questioning whether CBS is abandoning its traditional approach.
Dokupil’s coverage, including his recent “glowing tribute” to Marco Rubio as the “ultimate Florida man,” has drawn particular attention, with some labeling the editorial focus extraordinary—or overly partisan.
Live from America: A Tour Across the States
As part of his new role, Dokupil has launched a segment called Live from America, which plans to visit ten cities nationwide to engage audiences beyond the media hubs of New York and Washington, D.C.
CBS even leased a private jet for the tour, though plans were delayed by the geopolitical situation in Venezuela.
Insiders, however, have criticized the tour as “deeply inauthentic,” pointing to Dokupil’s opening remarks against mainstream media elites as contradictory to the network’s lavish execution.
Anchoring Principles and Early Missteps
Dokupil has made patriotism a central pillar of his broadcast, outlining five guiding principles: “We love America,” “We work for you,” “We report on the world as it is,” “We respect you,” and “We respect tradition.”
However, his first night on air was far from flawless.
Technical difficulties disrupted the broadcast, as he read the wrong teleprompter script while an image of Senator Mark Kelly appeared on screen.
The gaffe quickly went viral on social media, fueling speculation that internal staff may have sabotaged the program.
Critics Speak Out
The debut sparked commentary from media observers.
Shannon Watts jokingly addressed the teleprompter mishap on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “welcome to the resistance” moment.
Former NBC Universal executive Mike Sington labeled the debut “embarrassing,” critiquing Bari Weiss’s leadership.
Insiders previously told the Daily Mail that Weiss had “chased big-name broadcasters” only to land Dokupil, with some describing her strategy as “big league ambitions, little league talent.”
Critics also noted that CBS seemed to be “rummaging through the bargain bin” in choosing its new evening news face.
What Lies Ahead for CBS?
With a new editorial direction, a reshaped anchor lineup, and internal skepticism simmering, CBS News is at a crossroads.
While initial ratings indicate some viewer curiosity, the network’s internal morale and public perception remain uncertain.
How the team navigates these changes could define CBS News’ identity for years to come.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn