Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Tony Dokoupil's Debut on CBS Evening News Draws Criticism
Tony Dokoupil, a journalist with experience at Newsweek, NBC News, and CBS This Morning, recently became the new anchor of CBS Evening News.
His first broadcast on January 6, 2026, was not well-received.
He made several mistakes, like introducing himself multiple times and incorrectly calling Minnesota the 'Great Lake State.'
Viewers and media experts were quick to criticize his performance on social media.
Some people also didn't like his comments about Walter Cronkite, a famous former anchor, saying that the news should be more transparent now.
This has raised concerns about the direction of CBS News under its new leadership.
Tony Dokoupil, a journalist with a background in history and journalism, debuted as the new anchor of CBS Evening News on January 6, 2026.
His debut was marked by multiple gaffes, including misidentifying Minnesota as the 'Great Lake State' and struggling with transitions between segments.
Viewers and media insiders criticized his performance, with some calling it 'embarrassing' and expressing broader concerns about CBS News' editorial direction.
Dokoupil's remarks about Walter Cronkite, suggesting the news should be more transparent than in Cronkite's era, drew criticism from media observers.
The backlash reflects tensions surrounding the network's overhaul under new CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.
- Who
- Tony Dokoupil, new anchor of CBS Evening News
- What
- Dokoupil's debut broadcast was criticized for gaffes and awkwardness
- When
- January 6, 2026
- Where
- CBS Evening News broadcast
- Why
- Dokoupil struggled with transitions and made factual errors, leading to viewer frustration and criticism of CBS News' editorial direction
- Name
- Tony Dokoupil
- Education
- Colgate University (History), Columbia University (Master's in Journalism)
- Previous Roles
- Newsweek, NBC News, CBS This Morning
- Book
- The Last Pirate: A Father, His Son, and the Golden Age of Marijuana
- Current Role
- Anchor, CBS Evening News
- Debut Date
- January 6, 2026
- Notable Gaffe
- Misidentified Minnesota as the 'Great Lake State'
- Criticism
- Viewers and media insiders criticized his performance and remarks about Walter Cronkite