Just days before Tony Dokoupil's debut as the new anchor of the CBS Evening News on Monday — CBS News published a prominent statement from him emphasizing his commitment to earning viewer trust amid widespread skepticism toward media.
In the piece titled "Tony Dokoupil: Don't just trust me. Make me earn it," he declared: "You come first. Not advertisers. Not politicians. Not corporate interests — including the new owners of CBS."
Thestatement positions audiences as the priority in his approach to the flagship evening newscast. It reflects broader efforts under CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss to rebuild public confidence in journalism, following Dokoupil's appointment announced in December 2025.
"On too many stories, the press has missed the story. Because we've taken into account the perspective of advocates and not the average American. Or we put too much weight in the analysis of academics or elites, and not enough on you."
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 1, 2026
That changes now. The new CBS Evening News… pic.twitter.com/NKdvRJjYCS
Dokoupil, previously a co-host on CBS Mornings, is set to launch his tenure with a cross-country tour broadcasting from various U.S. cities, aiming to connect directly with Americans. This New Year's Day message serves as a direct appeal to viewers ahead of his first broadcast.