CBS News Anchor Hits Record-Low Ratings with MAGA-Influenced Content
The CBS Evening News, now anchored by Tony Dokoupil, is experiencing significant challenges in viewership. According to Nielsen data, the program is on course for its lowest January ratings since at least 2000. This decline began after Dokoupil took over as anchor on January 5.
Significant Decline in Ratings
During his tenure, the show has averaged 4.3 million viewers each night. This number includes only 560,000 viewers in the key demographic of ages 25 to 54. Overall, ratings have dropped approximately 20 percent compared to last year, when Norah O’Donnell was the host.
Key Viewership Statistics
- Average viewership since January 5: 4.3 million
- Viewers aged 25-54: 560,000
- Overall ratings decline: 20% from last year
- Viewership on specific days:
- Monday: 4.3 million
- Wednesday: 4.1 million
- Thursday: 3.9 million
Despite this downward trend, there was a brief increase in ratings. The January 19 broadcast attracted 6.4 million viewers, marking the highest audience since 2021. However, this spike stands in stark contrast to the overall declining trend.
Comparative Ratings with Rivals
In comparison, competitors ABC and NBC are performing significantly better. ABC reached an average of 8.2 million viewers, while NBC attracted 6.8 million. CBS’s decline is not isolated to the evening news; other CBS programs such as CBS Mornings and CBS Saturday Morning are also facing serious viewership issues.
Challenges Beyond Evening News
- CBS Mornings: Heading for its lowest-rated month
- CBS Saturday Morning: On track for the worst January
- Late Night with Stephen Colbert: Averaging just 285,000 in the 25-54 demographic
On his first night, Dokoupil took a critical stance on “legacy media” while trying to position himself as a more accountable anchor. He aimed to resonate with viewers by rejecting elitist perspectives in favor of a more populist approach.
Future Prospects
As the CBS Evening News looks to improve its ratings, the focus will likely remain on how the network can better engage its audience. The comparisons to former anchors and rival news programs will continue to shape the narrative around its ongoing performance and strategic direction.
