Monday, August 18, 2025

CBS News Plans Major “Evening News” Overhaul


CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, a former ABC executive hired in March 2025, is set to revamp the struggling CBS Evening News, possibly as early as this week, amid speculation about his own precarious position, according to sources cited by The NYPost.

Key changes could include:
  • Anchor Shakeup: Cibrowski plans to cut one of the broadcast’s two anchors, either John Dickerson or Maurice DuBois. Sources suggest DuBois, a former WCBS New York anchor, is favored to stay due to his suitability for the role, while Dickerson’s political reporting background has not translated well. The duo has been criticized for lacking chemistry and struggling with international stories, like Pope Francis’ death.
  • Executive Producer Exit: Cibrowski is poised to replace Evening News executive producer Guy Campanile, a 60 Minutes veteran, with senior producer Kim Harvey. Campanile’s focus on long-form, 60 Minutes-style features clashed with Cibrowski’s push for straight news, contributing to the show’s “rudderless” feel. Sources noted Campanile’s resistance to Cibrowski’s vision, and he may return to 60 Minutes under new executive producer Tanya Simon.
  • Tom Cibrowski
    Leadership Tensions:
    Cibrowski’s bold moves come as Paramount, CBS’s parent, finalizes its merger with Skydance. Insiders say he’s acting to secure his role but risks being a “hatchet man” for new leadership, potentially facing dismissal or demotion. Skydance-Paramount’s new president, Jeff Shell, is reportedly interviewing replacements, including journalist Bari Weiss and former CBS News president David Rhodes.
  • Over the weekend: Veteran 60 Minutes producer Guy Campanile, who spearheaded a major revamp of CBS Evening News, is set to return to 60 Minutes in the coming days, per a source familiar with the matter. His departure prompts CBS News to seek a new executive producer for its evening broadcast. Kim Harvey, a seasoned producer with experience at CBS News, CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC, is a leading candidate for the role.
  • Internal Conflicts: Cibrowski has faced pushback from CBS Mornings executive producer Shawna Thomas, an ally of star Gayle King, whose job may also be at risk. A prior incident saw former 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and Campanile gift Cibrowski a “Bible of Broadcasting” upon his arrival, which the 30-year ABC veteran found “ridiculous,” highlighting cultural clashes.
  • Ratings and Editorial Struggles: The Evening News, relaunched under former CBS News President Wendy McMahon after ousting anchor Norah O’Donnell, has seen ratings drop from 4.5–5 million viewers to below 4 million since DuBois and Dickerson took over in January 2025. A poorly received July 31 astrology segment, aired amid major news like Trump’s tariffs and Texas floods, drew criticism for misjudging priorities. Insiders blame a “leadership vacuum” and lack of editorial focus, with the show described as “unwatchable” and a “two-headed monstrosity” due to its dual-anchor format.
CBS News declined to comment. The shakeup reflects broader challenges as the network navigates a turbulent news cycle and corporate transition, with the Evening News team struggling to regain viewer trust and relevance.