Tony Dokoupil Vows to Put Viewers First as He Takes Over CBS Evening News

Tony Dokoupil is set to begin his new role as anchor of the CBS Evening News on Monday, and he is starting with a clear message: the audience comes first.

In a New Year’s Day video shared on CBSNews.com and social media, Dokoupil said trust in the press has fallen and admitted that news organizations share the blame.

“People do not trust us like they used to,” he said. “On too many stories, the press has missed the story.”

Dokoupil argued that legacy media outlets, including television news, have focused too much on activists, academics and political elites, while not paying enough attention to everyday Americans. He said the most important questions are often left unasked.

“The most urgent questions simply weren’t being asked,” he said, adding that many viewers feel unheard by current TV news coverage.

The veteran journalist, who previously co-hosted CBS Mornings, acknowledged that critics of mainstream media — including President Donald Trump — have raised similar complaints. Dokoupil said he has spoken with people across the country who questioned how the press covered issues such as Hillary Clinton’s emails and the president’s fitness for office.

Dokoupil joined CBS in 2016 after working at MSNBC, The Daily Beast and Newsweek. Now, he faces a major challenge.

The CBS Evening News, once defined by legendary anchor Walter Cronkite, has struggled in recent years, ranking behind ABC’s World News Tonight and NBC’s NBC Nightly News in viewership.

Media analyst Brian Steinberg previously described the role as a difficult one, noting the program’s long-standing ratings issues. Dokoupil was appointed by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, and observers have suggested the two share some editorial views.

In his statement, Dokoupil promised transparency and accountability.

“I report for you,” he said. “I’ll tell you what I know, when I know it and how I know it. And when I get it wrong, I’ll tell you that too.”

He also pledged to treat everyone in public life the same way, regardless of politics or power.

“I became a journalist to talk to people,” Dokoupil said. “I love talking to people about what works in this country, what doesn’t, and what should never change.”

He ended his message with a direct challenge to viewers: “Hold me to it.”