Veteran journalist John Dickerson is departing CBS News after 16 years, a move announced amidst significant network turbulence including a controversial merger, a high-profile lawsuit settlement, and a new editor-in-chief charting a fresh course. His exit marks a pivotal moment for the network, particularly for the struggling CBS Evening News, and signals a broader reshaping of its journalistic future.
After a distinguished 16-year career, John Dickerson is set to leave CBS News at the close of 2025. The veteran co-anchor of CBS Evening News made the announcement on his official Instagram page on October 27, expressing deep gratitude for his time at the network. His departure comes at a critical juncture for CBS, as it navigates a contentious corporate merger and new leadership aiming to redefine its news strategy.
Dickerson’s Heartfelt Announcement and CBS’s Acknowledgment
In his Monday Instagram post, Dickerson revealed his upcoming departure, reflecting on his journey since first sitting in as Face the Nation anchor. “Local news: At the end of this year, I will leave CBS, sixteen years after I sat in as Face the Nation anchor for the first time,” he wrote. He conveyed immense appreciation for the opportunities, audience engagement, and the invaluable experience gained from his colleagues, whom he credits for making him a better journalist and human.
CBS News President Tom Cibrowski confirmed Dickerson’s exit in a statement to People, acknowledging his 16 years of contributions across virtually every program. “John epitomizes the very best of journalism,” Cibrowski stated. Dickerson will continue to co-anchor CBS Evening News until the holiday season, allowing the network time to honor his significant contributions.
A Storied Career Defined by Versatility and Impact
Dickerson’s tenure at CBS News, which began in 2009, was marked by remarkable versatility and a deep commitment to journalism. He quickly rose through the ranks, contributing to some of the network’s most prestigious broadcasts.
His impressive career at CBS included a variety of high-profile roles:
- Face the Nation moderator (his starting point)
- CBS News’ Political Director
- 60 Minutes contributor (earning an Emmy nomination for his story on Elijah McClain’s death)
- CBS Mornings co-anchor
- Most recently, co-anchor of CBS Evening News alongside Maurice DuBois
Beyond his on-air presence, Dickerson played a crucial role in the network’s political coverage, moderating two presidential debates during the 2016 campaign and interviewing five U.S. Presidents: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter. His journalistic roots run deep, as his mother, Nancy Dickerson, made history in 1960 as CBS’s first female correspondent.
Turbulence at CBS: Mergers, Lawsuits, and New Leadership
Dickerson’s departure unfolds against a backdrop of significant upheaval at CBS News. The network’s parent company has been embroiled in major corporate and legal battles that have sent ripples throughout its journalistic operations.
The Controversial Paramount-Skydance Merger and Trump Lawsuit
A primary factor contributing to the current climate is the controversial merger between Paramount and Skydance. This $8 billion acquisition has been under intense scrutiny, particularly following a high-stakes legal battle. In July, CBS News settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump, who accused the program of deceptively editing Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign trail appearance on 60 Minutes. Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to Trump’s future presidential library, as reported by Reuters.
This settlement, made as Paramount sought approval from the Trump-controlled FCC for the Skydance acquisition, sparked widespread concern over the precedent it would set for media companies. Dickerson himself publicly spoke out against the settlement on CBS Evening News Plus in July, questioning the network’s ability to hold power accountable after such a payment and the potential erosion of public trust.
Bari Weiss Takes the Helm, Charting a New Course
Further signaling a transformative period, Bari Weiss was named editor-in-chief of CBS News earlier in October. Weiss, known for running the opinion website The Free Press, brings a distinct perspective but has no prior experience leading a news organization of CBS’s scale. Her appointment immediately raised questions about the future editorial direction of the network and is seen as a move to revamp programming and strategy.
The Future of CBS Evening News and Beyond
Dickerson’s exit is particularly impactful for the CBS Evening News, a program he joined as co-anchor with Maurice DuBois in January 2025. This reboot saw the broadcast move from Washington D.C. back to its historic Studio 47 in Manhattan, aiming to reinvigorate its ratings. However, the “experiment was widely considered unsuccessful,” with ratings consistently falling behind competitors, as reported by TheWrap. The current setup also includes Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan leading coverage from Washington and WCBS-TV’s Lonnie Quinn as chief weather anchor.
With Weiss reportedly considering further changes to the evening newscast, including potentially reinstalling Norah O’Donnell or tapping CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil, Dickerson’s departure could pave the way for a complete overhaul. Speculation has even included external candidates such as Fox News anchor Bret Baier.
As CBS News closes the chapter on John Dickerson’s impactful career, it simultaneously opens a new one, filled with uncertainty and the potential for a radically different future shaped by mergers, contentious politics, and a new editorial vision.
