Full Breakdown
CBS News Faces Record Low Ratings Amid Leadership Changes
1/24/2026, 4:13:00 AM
Declining Viewership Across CBS News Programs
CBS News is experiencing significant declines in viewership across its flagship programs, including "CBS Evening News," "CBS Mornings," and "Late Night with Stephen Colbert." According to Nielsen data, "CBS Evening News," hosted by Tony Dokoupil, is on track for its lowest-rated January since at least 2000, averaging 4.3 million viewers, with only 560,000 in the key 25- to 54-year-old demographic. Comparatively, the show had a viewership spike of 14 million during Katie Couric's debut in 2006. Similarly, "CBS Mornings" is projected to record its lowest ratings ever, with 1.7 million total viewers, while "CBS Saturday Morning" is averaging just 1.6 million viewers.
Leadership Overhaul and Its Implications
The decline in ratings coincides with a leadership overhaul at CBS News under editor in chief Bari Weiss, who joined the network in October 2025. Weiss has initiated significant changes, including replacing co-hosts on various programs and implementing cost-cutting measures. Sources within CBS have described her task as "Herculean," as the network attempts to regain viewership and address criticisms of its perceived elitism. Critics argue that the network's focus on coastal audiences has alienated middle America, with one insider questioning, “When will CBS learn that you have to program for the whole country and not just the coasts?”
Criticism of Programming Choices
Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" has also faced scrutiny, with some attributing its declining ratings to his consistent criticism of former President Donald Trump. CBS has announced the cancellation of Colbert's show, citing financial reasons, with his final episode scheduled for May 2026. Critics within the network have suggested that Weiss's changes may have further alienated viewers, leading to a drop in loyalty among the audience.
Conflicting Reports on Ratings and Future Changes
While CBS News has not publicly commented on the ratings decline, internal sources indicate that further layoffs and programming changes are anticipated as Weiss continues her overhaul. Reports suggest that Weiss is targeting other prominent figures within CBS, including Margaret Brennan of "Face the Nation," for potential replacement. The network's ratings have been notably lower compared to competitors, with "ABC World News Tonight" attracting 8.2 million viewers and "NBC Nightly News" garnering 6.7 million viewers during the same period.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bari Weiss has her work cut out for her,” — CBS Source
- “It’s certainly an indication that America is turning off CBS News.” — CBS Insider
- “When will CBS learn that you have to program for the whole country and not just the coasts?” — CBS Source
As CBS News navigates these challenges, the effectiveness of Weiss's strategies and the network's ability to reconnect with a broader audience remain to be seen.
