John Dickerson is set to depart from CBS News at the end of the year, a decision that raises questions regarding the future trajectory of the “CBS Evening News,” which he has co-anchored with Maurice DuBois since a recent format overhaul. In a heartfelt social media post on Monday, Dickerson expressed his gratitude for his time at CBS, appreciating the opportunity to work at such a storied network and thanking his colleagues who contributed to his development as both a journalist and a person. “I will miss you,” he stated.
Over the years, Dickerson has held various roles across the CBS News platform, including his recent position as the host of a streaming half-hour segment following the “Evening News.” His career has seen him transition from a successful tenure as moderator of “Face the Nation” to a role on “CBS This Morning.” Well-regarded for his writing and political commentary, he is also a contributor to “60 Minutes.” Adding to his legacy, his mother, Nancy Dickerson, was known as CBS News’ first female correspondent.
CBS News President Tom Cibrowski confirmed that Dickerson had made the decision to exit the company. This move coincides with ongoing challenges for “Evening News,” which has experienced a drop in ratings amid CBS News’ efforts to shift focus away from breaking news stories. The pairing of Dickerson and DuBois was seen as unconventional, combining DuBois’ smooth presentation style with Dickerson’s more dynamic on-screen persona. Presently, CBS News is exploring new talent options, engaging with agencies to discuss potential successors.
Dickerson’s departure comes as CBS News undergoes significant changes under its new editor in chief, Bari Weiss. Weiss, recognized for launching the conservative platform The Free Press—recently acquired by Paramount Skydance for $150 million—arrived with a mandate to revitalize the newsroom. This shift has led to personnel changes, including the departure of Claudia Milne, head of standards for CBS News, and speculation about further exits as employees navigate the evolving landscape shaped by Weiss’ editorial vision.
Additionally, the network is facing impending layoffs as Paramount Skydance aims to reduce expenses following its acquisition from Shari Redstone’s family. Before his time at CBS, Dickerson served as a political director and worked with prominent publications such as Slate and Time. He has authored three books and continues to contribute to The Atlantic while hosting the long-running podcast “Political Gabfest” for Slate.
As CBS News navigates this transitional period, Dickerson’s legacy and the future of the news division remain topics of interest as the organization seeks to redefine its identity amid a rapidly changing media environment.