CBS Anchor Tony Dokoupil Says ‘The Press Has Missed the Story’
Tony Dokoupil, the new anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” made a bold statement on New Year’s Day regarding the state of the press and the need for change. In a video posted on CBSnews.com and shared on social media, Dokoupil acknowledged the lack of trust in the media and admitted to missing the mark on important stories.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the audience above all else, including advertisers, politicians, and corporate interests. Dokoupil expressed concern that journalists have been swayed by advocates and elites, rather than focusing on the average American. He also noted that urgent questions have been left unasked by current TV news journalists.
Despite his extensive experience in the news industry, Dokoupil’s statement aligned with critics of mainstream media, such as President Trump, who have questioned the competence of journalists. The incoming anchor highlighted conversations he had with people across the country who raised doubts about media coverage of topics like Hillary Clinton’s emails and the president’s fitness for office.
Dokoupil, who previously worked at MSNBC, The Daily Beast, and Newsweek before joining CBS in 2016, faces a challenging task as he takes on the “CBS Evening News” anchor role. The program has struggled to compete with ABC’s “World News Tonight” and NBC’s “NBC Nightly News” for years. However, Dokoupil’s appointment by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss suggests a potential shift in the program’s direction.
In his message to viewers, Dokoupil pledged to report honestly and transparently, admitting when he gets things wrong and upholding the truth above all else. He emphasized his commitment to holding public figures accountable and engaging with a diverse range of voices.
As Dokoupil takes on this new role, he urged viewers to hold him to these standards and promised to listen to feedback and criticism. By putting the audience first and prioritizing truthful reporting, he aims to restore trust in journalism and provide a platform for meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most.
