John Dickerson, a prominent news anchor and co-host of “CBS Evening News,” announced on social media that he will be departing from CBS after a remarkable sixteen-year tenure. In his post, dated October 30, 2023, Dickerson, 57, expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he gained at the network. He stated, “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.”
Since the beginning of 2023, Dickerson has been co-anchoring “CBS Evening News” alongside Maurice DuBois. This pairing was noted as “unorthodox” by industry observers, and reports from Variety indicate that the show has faced declining ratings during their collaboration. Dickerson’s departure follows closely on the heels of Bari Weiss being appointed as editor-in-chief of CBS News. According to The Guardian, Weiss is reportedly seeking a new anchor for “CBS Evening News” and has expressed interest in hiring Bret Baier, currently an anchor at Fox News, who remains under contract for several more years.
The announcement has sparked reactions from colleagues within the news community. Norah O’Donnell, who Dickerson replaced after her departure in December 2024, shared her support with a heartfelt message. “A great friend and co-anchor in the mornings, primetime and on many election nights,” O’Donnell wrote. “Adore you and grateful for you.” Robert Costa also expressed his admiration, calling Dickerson “the best” and a “class act,” while voicing his sadness over the news.
As CBS navigates changes within its newsroom, reports from Deadline suggest that layoffs may be on the horizon for CBS News. Dickerson’s exit marks a significant transition for the network, reflecting ongoing shifts in leadership and programming strategy. His contributions to CBS, particularly as a political correspondent and anchor, have left a lasting impact on the network’s journalistic legacy.
In conclusion, John Dickerson’s departure signals not only the end of a significant chapter in his career but also a period of transformation for CBS News as it seeks to redefine its approach in a competitive media landscape.
