John Dickerson to Depart CBS News
CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson is set to leave the network at the end of this year, marking a significant change amid the first high-profile exit since Bari Weiss took on the role of editor-in-chief at CBS News.
Weiss was appointed by Paramount’s new owner, David Ellison, with the goal of revamping CBS News. This has sparked a lot of chatter about how she might reshape the network. Given the challenges CBS Evening News has faced, ranking third behind ABC and NBC since Dickerson and Maurice Dubois took over as co-anchors earlier this year, it seems likely that this program will be the first to undergo changes under Weiss’s leadership.
In announcing his departure, Dickerson shared on social media, “At the end of this year, I will be leaving CBS. It’s been 16 years since I first anchored ‘Face the Nation.’ I am extremely grateful for the honor of being part of the network’s history. I will miss my dear colleagues who have helped me grow as both a journalist and a person.”
Dickerson’s decision to leave comes after he and Dubois replaced Norah O’Donnell in January. While the future of CBS Evening News remains uncertain, CBS News president Tom Kobrowski acknowledged Dickerson’s contributions, noting, “John is the epitome of journalism at its best. He will continue as co-anchor through the holidays, and we will take the time to celebrate his impact.”
In addition to his role on Evening News, Dickerson is a contributor to “60 Minutes,” hosts “Face the Nation,” and has moderated two presidential primary debates, along with interviewing President Donald Trump multiple times.
Amid these changes, Weiss’s hiring at CBS News has stirred a mix of reactions, with some viewing her background, which focuses largely on opinion pieces and lacks extensive television experience, as a potential drawback. Inside the newsroom, there seems to be a split viewpoint regarding Weiss. Some younger staffers are enthusiastic about fresh ideas, while older colleagues may long for traditional journalism approaches.
Interestingly, sources have mentioned that some older staff members, who grew up admiring heroes like Walter Cronkite, are struggling to adapt to a news culture they see as evolving in ways they don’t fully understand. Meanwhile, younger colleagues seem eager for a shake-up, hinting that change might be necessary, even if it is somewhat uncomfortable.
Moreover, while there are worries, many in the newsroom recognize Weiss’s success with her previous media ventures and acknowledge that a shift in direction might have been needed. There’s even a lingering doubt about whether the network should accept its current standing as third place.
Earlier this year, Dickerson expressed concerns regarding Paramount’s settlement with Trump, suggesting it might compromise the ability for news organizations to act responsibly and hold power accountable.
