Dokoupil Pledges Transparency for CBS Evening News

Tony Dokoupil, the incoming anchor of CBS Evening News, released a video message on January 1 pledging to restore public trust in the program through greater transparency and accountability, as he prepares to take over the broadcast on January 5.

In the message, posted to social media and the CBS website, Dokoupil addressed declining confidence in legacy media, stating that people "do not trust us like they used to." He argued that news outlets, including CBS, have often prioritized perspectives from advocates, academics, and elites over those of average Americans, leading to missed stories on issues such as the Iraq War, Hillary Clinton's emails, Russiagate, COVID-19 lockdowns, Hunter Biden's laptop, and the president's fitness for office. "On too many stories, the press has missed the story," Dokoupil said. He promised to put viewers first, ahead of advertisers, politicians, and corporate interests, including the owners of CBS parent company Paramount Global. "As long as I sit in this chair, you come first," he added. "I report for you."

Dokoupil, a veteran journalist with experience at NBC and MSNBC and a background in print reporting, succeeds John Dickerson and Maurice...