John Dickerson, a prominent figure at CBS, revealed his plans to depart from the network after a tenure that spans more than 16 years. In a heartfelt announcement shared on social media, Dickerson stated, “At the end of this year, I will leave CBS, sixteen years after I sat in as ‘Face the Nation’ anchor for the first time.” The 57-year-old journalist expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received at CBS, acknowledging both the audience’s support and the value of working alongside dedicated colleagues.
Since the beginning of 2024, Dickerson has been co-anchoring the “CBS Evening News” alongside Maurice DuBois. While this pairing has been described as “unorthodox” by industry observers, the program has reportedly faced challenges, including a decline in ratings. Dickerson’s departure coincides with significant changes at CBS News, particularly following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief.
Industry Changes and Future Prospects
With Weiss now at the helm, there is speculation about a potential new direction for “CBS Evening News.” Reports indicate that she is actively seeking a new anchor for the program, with particular interest in Bret Baier, currently an anchor at Fox News. Although Baier remains under contract with Fox for several years, the prospect of such a high-profile move could significantly impact CBS News’ future programming.
The environment at CBS News is also expected to undergo further transformation, with reports of impending layoffs. This could signal a broader shift within the network as it adapts to evolving viewer preferences and competitive pressures from other news outlets.
In light of Dickerson’s announcement, many of his colleagues have taken to social media to express their support. Norah O’Donnell, who was replaced by Dickerson in December 2024, praised him as “a great friend and co-anchor in the mornings, primetime and on many election nights.” Robert Costa, another journalist, referred to Dickerson as “a class act,” reflecting the high regard in which he is held by peers.
As Dickerson prepares for his next chapter, his contributions to CBS and the field of journalism will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. “I will miss you,” he concluded in his post, highlighting the personal connections he has forged throughout his career. The coming months will reveal how CBS News plans to navigate this transition and what new opportunities may arise for Dickerson beyond the network.
