Tony Dokoupil Speaks Out Amid Upheaval at CBS News
What To Know
- Tony Dokoupil defended CBS News leadership amid recent staff firings and internal turmoil.
- The CBS Evening News anchor said his personal experience has been positive.
- He claimed that his team maintains editorial independence.
CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil has defended his CBS News bosses amid recent upheaval at the network, including several high-profile firings of 60 Minutes staff.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Monday (June 22), Dokoupil was asked about the recent behind-the-scenes turmoil, which has seen former staffers speaking out against CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and changes she’s made to the network.
“When they make comments like that, I pay attention,” Dokoupil said. “But I can only speak for what’s happening on this side of the street, and it’s not the experience that I’ve had.”
Last month, Weiss fired 60 Minutes producers Tanya Simon and Draggan Mihailovich and correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi. This was followed by veteran reporter Pelley being terminated after he confronted the show’s new producer, Nick Bilton, about Weiss’ changes.
Pelley spoke out against the changes and Weiss’ handling of CBS News during a heated staff meeting, during which he said Weiss was “murdering” 60 Minutes and told Bilton he had “slender qualifications” for the job. The next day, Bilton sent a termination letter to Pelley, noting that he’d been fired “for cause, effective immediately.”
“When it comes to Bari Weiss, she’s the editor in chief, she runs a 9 a.m. meeting and has lots of ideas,” Dokoupil told the outlet. “When we like the idea, we use it. If we don’t, and if it doesn’t work for our show, we don’t.”
The former CBS Mornings co-host was also asked about Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, whom Pelley has suggested was “casting aside” 60 Minutes to appease President Donald Trump.
“He’s never had a comment about my show,” Dokoupil said of Ellison. “He’s never called me to complain about coverage. If he tried to, it wouldn’t have an impact.”
Dokoupil was promoted from CBS Mornings to lead anchor of CBS Evening News last December, just two months after Weiss came aboard as the network’s new editor-in-chief. At the time of his promotion, Dokoupil spoke about rebuilding the audience’s trust in the media.
He continued to talk about that trust in his interview with the WSJ, saying, “I think all journalism has a trust problem. If we’re the yogurt industry, and 70% of people didn’t trust yogurt, it would be a crisis. I think it’s a crisis for journalism.”
CBS Evening News, Weeknights, 6:30/5:30c, CBS
Conversation8 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
G
I like Tony but let’s face it, right now he certainly is not going to bite the hand that feeds him. He is saying all the right things and I hope it all works out. Don’t forget, you’re dealing with Ellison, Weiss and CBS. Wouldn’t trust any of them!
-
M
Use to like Tony D. just learned a phrase "MAGA code" . It's a person that normalizes this abnormal presidency/administration. Tony fits the bill now. Sad when people only care about $ (?) & advancing their career 🇺🇸⚖️☮️
-
S
Right now, he’s insulting any rational viewer who doesn’t share in his privileges.
-
-
M
With the changes CBS has made to the way they have treated some of
their employees and the cancellation of the Late show, I now watch other
networks in those times lots. Time to ditch the witch Bari.
-
G
NEVER forget that weiss is NOT for this country.
-
G
Well, sure, Tony's NOT going to call out his boss. He SHOULD, but guess his job is important than the truth.
-
J
Based on recent reporting on CBS News (evening and morning), the news reports aren't being sensored or whitewashed. There has been true reporting on the ridiculousness of the situation with the reflecting pool, as well as honest and critical reporting on treatment of Army/military personnel in the stupid unpopular, pointless Iran war. The reporting has not been positive about the current administration (which is also ridiculous, unpopular, and pointless).
-
T
Hope Tony doesn't break his nose...
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services