Can the iconic CBS Evening News be saved by Bari Weiss? It's a question that has been looming over the network since her appointment, and the stakes have never been higher. But here's the shocking truth: despite a bold reimagining, the show is still struggling to find its footing in a rapidly changing media landscape. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about ratings, but about the very essence of journalism in the digital age.
The headlines proclaimed a 'new day' at CBS back in January 2025, but fast forward to today, and the network is still grappling with a tumultuous transition. The big three – CBS, ABC, and NBC – are facing steep challenges as consumers now have an ever-expanding array of choices to stay informed. Yet, the evening newscast, a staple since the 1940s, persists, even as audiences decline, likened by the Los Angeles Times to a 'slow melting glacier.'
Enter Bari Weiss, hired to oversee CBS's news operation, with the latest iteration of the CBS Evening News under her guidance. With new anchor Tony Dokoupil promising to represent all of America, the show is a microcosm of Weiss's vision for CBS. But the road has been rocky. Dokoupil's debut was marred by missteps, from being labeled 'MAGA coded' to making glaring mistakes, while an experienced producer was fired, and newsroom leaks of Weiss's memos added to the turmoil.
Here's the controversial part: in an era of 24/7 news cycles, breaking news alerts, and social media feeds, do Americans still need a traditional evening news show? Michael X. Delli Carpini, a renowned communication professor, asserts that the days of a few professional news organizations capturing the majority of the public's attention are over. But CBS is fighting back, aiming to capture the lion's share of attention, even if it's not in the way Weiss initially envisioned.
Dokoupil's first week was a rollercoaster, with verbal and visual blunders, becoming fodder for jokes at the Golden Globes. Yet, CBS was landing big names, not just from the Trump administration, and the network's nimbleness was on display with a nationwide tour. But media critics and gossip columnists were quick to weigh in, with some speculating about Dokoupil's new visibility affecting his wife's career.
Longtime journalist Margaret Sullivan criticized the newscast's treatment of the January 6 Capitol riot anniversary, accusing it of 'both sides are equal' commentary. She also questioned the show's promise to 'love America,' arguing that true patriotism lies in challenging authority and holding the powerful accountable. But is this a fair critique, or are journalists expected to be both objective and patriotic? This debate has raged for decades, with no clear resolution.
Bari Weiss, who resigned from The New York Times over concerns about free speech, founded The Free Press to offer fearless, fair, and independent journalism. Her appointment at CBS, despite criticism about her experience, is seen as a test of her vision. With Dokoupil landing big names, from President Trump to General Motors CEO Mary Barra, the show is making an effort to be fair and inclusive. But is this 'bothsidesism' a solution or a problem?
Here's the million-dollar question: can CBS Evening News regain the trust of conservatives who have long distrusted the media? A YouGov poll found that 92% of Trump voters in 2020 believed the mainstream media was part of the Democratic Party. Dokoupil acknowledged this trust deficit, but is throwing the media 'under the bus' the solution? James Poniewozik, a television critic, observed that the show seems to be taking pains to listen to conservatives and challenge liberals, but is this a genuine effort or a ratings ploy?
As the show's ratings fluctuate, with some positive feedback and increased digital engagement, the future of broadcast news hangs in the balance. With audiences graying and new media rising, the question remains: can high-quality journalism survive in this format? Delli Carpini emphasizes the need for professional journalists to shine a light on important public issues, free from corporate and political pressure. But will CBS Evening News be the vehicle to deliver this, or is it time for a new paradigm?
What do you think? Is Bari Weiss the right person to save CBS Evening News, or is the format itself outdated? Can journalists be both objective and patriotic, or is this an impossible expectation? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a debate about the future of journalism.
