A trusted CBS anchor is stepping down—just as big changes begin at the network

Major shifts are underway at CBS News—and longtime viewers are taking notice. In a move that surprised both industry insiders and loyal fans, anchor John Dickerson has announced he’s leaving the network after more than sixteen years. The news comes just nine months after he began co-anchoring the CBS Evening News alongside Maurice DuBois.

His timing has sparked speculation across the media world. Dickerson’s farewell coincides with the arrival of Bari Weiss, the former New York Times journalist now officially serving as editor-in-chief of CBS News.

With the network’s new owner David Ellison promising bold reforms, many are asking: is Dickerson’s exit part of a larger plan to reshape the Tiffany Network?

On Monday, Dickerson announced his departure in a social media post, writing: "Local news: At the end of this year, I will leave CBS, sixteen years after I sat in as Face the Nation anchor for the first time."

He continued, "I am extremely grateful for all that CBS gave me—the work, the audience’s attention and the honor of being a part of the network’s history—and I am grateful for my dear colleagues who’ve made me a better journalist and a better human. I will miss you."

There was no mention of any new role or next step—just a sincere note of thanks and farewell.

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The decision comes during a challenging period for CBS News. Viewership for Evening News has fallen about 14 percent compared with last year, averaging 3.6 million nightly viewers.

The pairing of Dickerson and DuBois, which replaced Norah O’Donnell, was considered a "bold experiment" but has struggled to find its footing.

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski praised Dickerson’s professionalism, saying he "epitomizes the very best in journalism."

He added, "We’ll have plenty of time to thank him for his work here and honor his contributions to our success."

Earlier this month, Bari Weiss—known for founding The Free Press and her outspoken stance against ideological conformity—was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News.

Weiss first gained national attention as a New York Times opinion editor before leaving the paper in 2020, citing what she described as "narrow liberal views" and internal hostility toward dissenting opinions.

Her digital news startup Honestly later evolved into The Free Press, which was acquired by Paramount, CBS’s parent company, in a $150 million deal.

Under Ellison’s leadership, Weiss has reportedly been given a broad editorial mandate aimed at restoring viewer trust and improving ratings—an effort some reports have described as an attempt to "tame liberal excesses."

While problems at Evening News pre-date her appointment, it’s unclear whether Weiss had any role in Dickerson’s decision to leave.

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CBS has not clarified whether Dickerson resigned voluntarily or was asked to step aside. But the timing, combined with ongoing structural changes, has fueled debate in industry circles.

Insiders have told multiple outlets that more changes may be on the horizon.

Weiss has reportedly met with Norah O’Donnell, and there are even whispers she has her eye on Fox News anchor Bret Baier for a future role—though Baier’s contract with Fox runs through 2028.

Meanwhile, CBS Mornings host Gayle King is also believed to be "in the firing line," with some expecting her departure in the coming months.

None of these reports have been officially confirmed by CBS.

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For Dickerson, journalism runs deep. His mother, Nancy Dickerson, joined CBS News in 1954 when few women worked in television journalism.

She became an associate producer for Face the Nation—the same program her son would later anchor—and went on to become CBS’s first female correspondent in 1960.

Nancy Dickerson died in 1997 at 70 after a groundbreaking career that helped open doors for women in broadcasting.

John Dickerson’s own style—sharp, fair, and unflappable—earned him the term "Dickersonian," coined by The Washington Post to describe his knack for catching even seasoned politicians off guard.

He is married to Anne Dickerson, a public-relations executive, and they have two children.

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It remains unclear who will lead Evening News once Dickerson signs off in December. Will DuBois continue solo? Could O’Donnell return? Or will Weiss bring in a fresh face from outside the CBS family?

As the network’s leadership recalibrates, viewers may soon see broader changes across its morning and primetime programming.

For many, Dickerson’s departure symbolizes both the end of an era and the beginning of a new—and uncertain—chapter.

Television journalism is in transition, and CBS’s latest moves reflect a shifting media landscape.

Whether you remember the steady tone of Walter Cronkite or prefer the sharper debates of today, one thing is clear: change is coming to the nation’s newsrooms, and everyone’s watching to see how it plays out.

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Key Takeaways

• John Dickerson announced he is leaving CBS Evening News at the end of 2025, nine months after being named co-anchor alongside Maurice DuBois.
• His exit coincides with declining ratings and the arrival of Bari Weiss, recently appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News under new owner David Ellison.
• Weiss, founder of The Free Press, has been tasked with reviving viewer trust—an effort some reports have characterized as addressing "liberal excesses".
• CBS has not said whether Dickerson’s departure was voluntary or part of a larger shake-up, but more on-air changes may follow in the months ahead.

What do you think about John Dickerson’s sudden exit? Do you believe Bari Weiss is the right person to guide CBS News into a new era? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments—we’d love to hear how longtime viewers feel about where the Tiffany Network should head next.