CBS News is making a bold bet on authenticity and old-school journalism.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Tony Dokoupil has been named anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” effective Monday, January 5, 2026.
But he’s not starting behind a desk—he’s hitting the road.
In his first month, Dokoupil will embark on a cross-country tour, meeting viewers in cities and towns across America as part of what the network is calling an ambitious new era for the nation’s longest-running nightly newscast.
Why CBS Chose Dokoupil for This Moment
Trust in mainstream media has eroded dramatically in recent years. CBS News believes Dokoupil is uniquely positioned to bridge that gap.
We live in a time in which many people have lost trust in the media. Tony Dokoupil is the person to win it back. That’s because he believes in old-school journalistic values: asking the hard questions, following the facts wherever they lead and holding power to account.
Those words from Bari Weiss, CBS News’ editor-in-chief, signal more than just a personnel change—they represent a philosophical shift toward fairness and accountability.
Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News, emphasized Dokoupil’s relatability factor, calling him “what everyone wants in an evening-news anchor—authentic, compassionate, unafraid.”
From Morning Show to Evening Anchor
Dokoupil isn’t new to CBS viewers. Since 2019, he’s co-hosted “CBS Mornings” alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson, building a reputation for connecting with audiences through both hard-hitting interviews and human-interest stories.
His track record demonstrates a willingness to go where news happens—not just report from a comfortable studio.
On-the-Ground Reporting That Matters
During his tenure at “CBS Mornings,” Dokoupil consistently anchored from the epicenter of major stories:
- Israel following the October 7, 2023 terror attack and hostage negotiations
- Rome for papal conclave coverage
- Uvalde, Texas after the devastating Robb Elementary School shooting
- Ukraine at the start of the war
- Maui and California during catastrophic wildfires
- Capitol Hill following the January 6 insurrection
He also provided crucial coverage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and anchored both the 2024 Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
This isn’t armchair journalism—it’s boots-on-the-ground storytelling that builds trust through presence and proximity.
A Cross-Country Listening Tour
Rather than begin his tenure behind the anchor desk, Dokoupil will spend his first month traveling across America. The strategy reflects both his personal approach to journalism and CBS’s recognition that trust requires connection.
Tony’s superpower is listening to people. We want to serve Americans in the best way possible by meeting them where they are every night—and we’ll do that with this cross-country kick-off tour.
Kim Harvey, executive producer of the “CBS Evening News,” emphasized this people-first philosophy as central to the broadcast’s evolution.
Dokoupil himself framed his appointment within the context of national unity and open dialogue.
After 20 years in journalism, traveling through all 50 states and talking with people in hundreds of far-flung American places, I realize why a country this big needs a show this ambitious. The strength of our nation is that we benefit from fair reporting and the open discussion of all ideas.
Two Decades of Versatile Journalism
Since joining CBS News in 2016, Dokoupil has demonstrated remarkable range. His interview subjects span politics, technology, entertainment, and sports—reflecting the diverse interests of modern news consumers.
Notable interviews include:
- Political figures: Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, various members of Congress
- Business and technology: Bill Gates
- Sports: Bill Belichick
- Entertainment: Steve Martin, Dolly Parton, Harry Styles, Jennifer Lopez, Greta Gerwig, Janelle Monáe, Ben Stiller
This versatility matters because evening news audiences expect depth across multiple domains—not just political coverage.
What This Means for Evening News
The “CBS Evening News” has been America’s longest-running nightly newscast for more than six decades. Maintaining relevance requires evolution without abandoning core principles.
Dokoupil’s appointment signals several strategic priorities:
- Rebuilding trust through transparent, fact-based reporting
- Meeting audiences where they are—both geographically and emotionally
- Balancing hard news with human connection
- Demonstrating accountability by holding power to account regardless of political affiliation
The broadcast airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+, making it accessible to both traditional television viewers and cord-cutters.
A Promise of Plain Truth
In an era of polarized media and algorithmic echo chambers, Dokoupil’s commitment stands out.
I’m honored to join a fearless team at this important moment, and with what I can promise is a commitment to trust and the plain truth.
Plain truth sounds simple, but delivering it consistently requires courage, independence, and unwavering editorial standards.
Whether Dokoupil can reverse declining trust in media remains uncertain. But his track record of showing up, listening deeply, and asking difficult questions provides reason for optimism.
As he embarks on his cross-country tour beginning January 5, 2026, millions of Americans will be watching—not just to see what he reports, but how he reports it.