Full Breakdown
Maurice DuBois Departs CBS Evening News Amid Major Overhaul
12/4/2025, 9:55:35 PM
Departure Announcement and Background
Maurice DuBois, co-anchor of CBS Evening News, announced his departure from the network, with his final broadcast scheduled for December 18, 2025. DuBois made the announcement via Instagram, expressing gratitude for his 21 years at CBS, including his time at WCBS-TV in New York City. His co-anchor, John Dickerson, had previously announced his exit in October, marking a significant transition for the program that has struggled with ratings since its format change earlier this year.
Context of the Format Change
DuBois and Dickerson's tenure began in January 2025, following the departure of Norah O'Donnell. The pair aimed to implement a long-form storytelling approach reminiscent of "60 Minutes," but this strategy failed to resonate with viewers, leading to a decline in ratings. CBS Evening News has consistently trailed behind competitors, averaging approximately 4.26 million viewers compared to 8.27 million for ABC's World News Tonight and 6.24 million for NBC Nightly News. The program's ratings among the key demographic of viewers aged 25 to 54 were particularly low, with only 427,000 viewers.
Leadership Changes and Future Direction
The departures of DuBois and Dickerson come amid a broader shakeup at CBS News, particularly following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. Weiss has been actively recruiting new talent and is expected to implement significant changes to the news division. CBS News president Tom Cibrowski acknowledged DuBois's contributions, stating, “Maurice has long represented what we do best at CBS News and Stations,” and expressed hope for future collaboration.
Criticism and Challenges
The pairing of DuBois and Dickerson has faced criticism for lacking chemistry and failing to connect with audiences. Insiders have described the format as "clunky" and "awkward," contributing to the program's struggles. The network's decision to pursue external candidates for replacement anchors rather than promoting from within has raised questions about its strategic direction.
What's Next for CBS Evening News
As CBS Evening News prepares for a new chapter, the network has not yet announced replacements for DuBois and Dickerson. Speculation surrounds potential candidates, including Tony Dokoupil and former anchor Norah O'Donnell. The upcoming changes signal a pivotal moment for the program, which has seen a significant viewer decline over the past year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Moving On: December 18th is the day of my last broadcast at CBS News. It has been the Honor of a Lifetime,” — Maurice DuBois
- “Maurice has long represented what we do best at CBS News and Stations.” — Tom Cibrowski, President and Executive Editor, CBS News
Conclusion
Maurice DuBois's exit from CBS Evening News marks a significant transition for the program as it grapples with declining ratings and seeks to redefine its approach under new leadership. The search for new anchors and a potential shift in strategy will be closely watched by viewers and industry observers alike.
