In a significant development for CBS News, anchor John Dickerson has announced his decision to leave the network at the end of the year. This departure raises important questions about the future direction of the CBS Evening News, which Dickerson has co-anchored with Maurice DuBois since an ambitious format revamp earlier this year. In a heartfelt social media post on Monday, Dickerson expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am extremely grateful for all that CBS gave me — the work, the audience’s attention and the honor of being 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.”
John Dickerson's career at CBS has been marked by versatility and achievement. In addition to his co-anchoring role on the CBS Evening News, he has also helmed a streaming-only half-hour segment that follows the evening broadcast. Over the years, Dickerson has showcased his talents across various platforms within the CBS News portfolio. He was previously the moderator of Face the Nation, where he gained acclaim for his incisive political analysis. His tenure also included a stint on CBS This Morning and contributions as a political analyst for the iconic 60 Minutes.
Notably, Dickerson comes from a legacy of journalism; his mother, Nancy Dickerson, was CBS News’ first female correspondent, paving the way for future generations in the industry.
The announcement of Dickerson's exit comes amid ongoing challenges for the CBS Evening News, which has seen a decline in ratings. CBS News executives have been attempting to shift the program's focus away from breaking news headlines, but the impact on viewership has been notable. Dickerson and DuBois formed an unconventional pairing, with DuBois providing a smooth delivery and Dickerson bringing a more dynamic on-screen presence.
In light of Dickerson's departure, CBS News has reportedly reached out to talent agencies to explore potential replacements, signaling a proactive approach to addressing changes in their news programming.
John Dickerson's decision to leave comes at a pivotal moment for CBS News, which is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Weiss, a digital entrepreneur known for founding the conservative-leaning The Free Press, was recently brought in by Paramount Skydance, which acquired the publication for $150 million. Her arrival has sparked discussions about the future direction of CBS News's editorial stance.
Additionally, Claudia Milne, the head of standards, has opted to depart the company after completing her most recent contract. This has led to speculation that other staff members may also consider leaving, given the uncertain climate surrounding the news division’s leadership.
As CBS News braces for changes, including potential layoffs as part of cost-cutting measures by Paramount Skydance, the media landscape remains dynamic. The Ellison family’s acquisition has prompted a reevaluation of operations, which could affect the structure and personnel of CBS News moving forward.
Before joining CBS News in 2011 as a political director, Dickerson had notable experiences at Slate and Time. He is also an accomplished author, having written three books, and regularly contributes to The Atlantic. In addition, he hosts the popular Political Gabfest podcast for Slate, which has been a staple in political commentary for two decades.