CBS News is experiencing a significant decline in viewership across its flagship morning and evening shows, with ratings heading for record lows this January. The “CBS Evening News,” now anchored by Tony Dokoupil, is projected to have its least-viewed January since 2000. Currently, it averages 4.3 million viewers, which includes just 560,000 in the competitive 25-to-54 age demographic, a crucial audience segment for advertisers.
A notable comparison can be made to 2006, when Katie Couric’s debut on the “Evening News” attracted a staggering 14 million viewers on her first night. Dokoupil, despite achieving a one-time high of 6.4 million viewers earlier this month, has not managed to sustain a viewership that can compete with rivals like “ABC World News Tonight,” which now garners around 8.2 million viewers, and “NBC Nightly News,” with 6.7 million viewers.
The strife in viewership extends to other CBS programs. “CBS Mornings,” co-hosted by Gayle King and Nate Burleson, is also experiencing a ratings slump, averaging 1.7 million total viewers. Similarly, “CBS Saturday Morning,” featuring new co-hosts Adriana Diaz and Kelly O’Grady, is projected to end the month with its lowest ratings ever, having 1.6 million viewers.
Even “Late Night with Stephen Colbert” is struggling, as it is on course for its poorest January ratings in the 25- to 54-year-old demographic, drawing merely 285,000 viewers. Following a trend of declining ratings, CBS has opted to cancel Colbert’s show, with its final episode scheduled for May due to financial reasons.
Bari Weiss, who took over as editor-in-chief in October, is tasked with revitalizing CBS News amidst these struggles. Insiders have described her challenge as “Herculean,” as ratings began to decline significantly even before her appointment. Critics have pointed to a focus on catering to coastal elites as a primary factor in this downturn, as well as potentially polarizing programming choices that may have alienated a wider national audience.
Weiss is also reportedly considering major adjustments to “CBS Mornings,” which could include a shift away from its current format and a drastic pay cut for star anchor Gayle King. Additionally, sources indicate that further layoffs could be on the horizon as CBS continues to implement cost-saving measures while attempting to reshape its offerings.
While the current outlook may appear daunting, CBS News’ strategic overhaul offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Should these changes resonate with a broader audience, CBS could potentially regain ground in an increasingly competitive media landscape, paving the way for a resurgence in viewership and relevance.