Tony Dokoupil has been named the new anchor for “CBS Evening News,” a significant move by CBS News as they aim to compete with ABC’s leading anchor, David Muir. This appointment was announced on Wednesday.

Since 2019, Dokoupil has been a prominent figure on “CBS Mornings.” He is set to begin his new role on January 5, 2026, succeeding the anchor duo of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, both of whom recently departed from the network.

This decision marks the first major appointment for Bari Weiss, the founder of Free Press, who took on the role of CBS News editor-in-chief this autumn following CBS’s acquisition by Paramount.

“In today’s world, where trust in the media is waning, Tony Dokoupil stands out as someone who can restore it,” Weiss commented. “He upholds traditional journalistic values, always ready to tackle tough questions, pursue the truth, and hold those in power accountable.”

Dokoupil faces a significant challenge, as “CBS Evening News” has historically placed third among the major network evening news programs. Currently, its viewership is just over half of that of ABC’s “World News Tonight.”