Network insiders indicate that CBS News President Tom Cibrowski is considering major alterations to the “Evening News” broadcast, with plans potentially involving the removal of one of its current dual anchors.
Sources within the industry suggest that Cibrowski is planning changes that may lead to either John Dickerson or Maurice DuBois being dropped from their anchor roles.
The proposed changes arise as CBS encounters challenges in the competitive evening news sector. Dickerson and DuBois have been co-anchors since the introduction of the dual-anchor system earlier this year, each bringing distinct strengths and audience appeal to the program.
Dickerson, formerly the host of “Face the Nation” and a CBS News correspondent, moved to the “Evening News” anchor desk as part of the network’s strategic programming shifts. DuBois joined the evening broadcast from WCBS-TV in New York, New York, where he was a well-known local news anchor.
The move to potentially cut one anchor position mirrors wider industry trends towards streamlined news formats and cost-saving measures. Networks have experimented with various anchor configurations recently, aiming to balance production costs with viewer engagement.
According to sources close to the matter, Cibrowski is assessing different aspects of the broadcast’s performance and structure. The potential changes could extend beyond anchor positions, impacting other facets of the program’s format and presentation.
Since launching on January 27 with Dickerson and DuBois, ratings have steadily declined, according to Nielsen data. The program started with 5.2 million viewers, but averaged 4.8 million in its first week.
In the second week, the show lost about 300,000 viewers, and by the week ending February 16, its third week, it drew just under 4.5 million viewers, according to the data.
A source familiar with CBS News said the viewer decline was “not a surprise.”
“When there is an anchor change, traditionally there is a dip in ratings,” the source said.
Industry analysts acknowledge that evening news programs are under pressure to maintain relevance and viewership in a changing media landscape. Traditional broadcast networks face competition from cable news channels, streaming services, and digital platforms for audience attention.
These potential changes align with shifts in viewer habits and preferences. Networks continually reassess programming strategies to align with changing demographics and consumption patterns, especially as younger audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for news.
Representatives from CBS News and spokespeople for Dickerson and DuBois have not commented on the reported changes. The network typically maintains discretion about programming decisions until official announcements are made.
The dual-anchor format is used by various news organizations to offer different perspectives and appeal to wider audience segments. However, some industry experts argue that single-anchor formats can create a stronger brand identity and a clearer editorial voice for evening news programs.
Production considerations also influence anchor configuration decisions. Single-anchor formats generally require fewer resources and can streamline the editorial process, whereas dual-anchor arrangements often offer more flexibility in story presentation and coverage responsibilities.
The potential restructuring occurs as CBS News competes in the evening news ratings race with NBC Nightly News and ABC World News Tonight. Each network regularly adjusts its programming strategy to maintain or improve its market position.
Earlier this year, veteran anchor Jeff Glor, who had co-hosted “CBS Saturday Morning” since 2019 and previously led “CBS Evening News,” was let go amid widespread budget cuts at Paramount Global. His departure was part of a broader downsizing that also affected several correspondents, including Anna Werner, Roxana Saberi, and senior investigative reporter Catherine Herridge, who were among about 20 CBS staffers laid off during the February consolidation.
In mid-May, CBS News quietly eliminated 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 served years at the network and were removed as part of a centralization directive driven by financial pressures and an ongoing merger with Skydance.