Full Breakdown
CBS Evening News Transition: John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois Sign Off
12/20/2025, 7:53:37 AM
Final Broadcast and Transition of Leadership
On December 18, 2025, John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois signed off as co-anchors of CBS Evening News, marking the end of their tenure amid significant changes within the network. Their departure comes as CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss implements a reorganization of the evening broadcast, which has struggled in ratings, consistently placing third behind ABC's World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News. Tony Dokoupil, co-host of CBS Mornings, is set to take over as the new anchor on January 5, 2026.
During their final broadcast, Dickerson expressed gratitude towards DuBois, stating, “You’ve become a model for me and a trusted friend.” DuBois reciprocated, praising Dickerson as “an outstanding journalist and an even better person.” The pair concluded their broadcast with the iconic sign-off, “Thank you for watching. Good night and good luck,” echoing the words of legendary CBS anchor Edward R. Murrow.
Background and Context
Dickerson joined CBS News in 2009, serving in various roles including moderator of Face the Nation and correspondent for 60 Minutes. DuBois, who has been with CBS for 21 years, transitioned from WCBS-TV in New York to the national broadcast in January 2025, replacing Norah O'Donnell. Their partnership began less than a year ago, following a significant format change aimed at enhancing storytelling and correspondent-driven content.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite their efforts, the broadcast faced criticism regarding the lack of chemistry between the anchors and the format, which some deemed ill-conceived. Viewership continued to decline, leading to scrutiny of the network's leadership under Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski. Critics noted that the show had lost approximately a million viewers during Dickerson and DuBois's time as co-anchors.
Official Statements and Responses
In their farewell, both anchors highlighted the dedication of the CBS team and the importance of viewer trust. Dickerson remarked, “It has been an honor to put the work of our correspondents, producers, editors, and writers before you,” emphasizing their commitment to journalistic integrity. DuBois echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in their collective work and gratitude towards the audience.
What's Next for CBS Evening News
Tony Dokoupil's upcoming debut as anchor will be marked by a "Live from America" tour, where he will engage with viewers across ten cities over ten days. This initiative aims to revitalize the program and connect with audiences directly. The network's recent upheaval under Weiss's leadership has included layoffs and a restructuring of various programs, indicating a broader shift in CBS's approach to news broadcasting.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While both Dickerson and DuBois announced their departures voluntarily, there were reports suggesting that DuBois's exit surprised network executives, who had previously indicated he would not be part of the program's future. This discrepancy highlights the uncertainty surrounding the network's direction and leadership decisions.
As CBS Evening News transitions to a new era under Dokoupil, the impact of Dickerson and DuBois's departure remains to be seen, particularly in light of the ongoing changes at CBS News.
