Don't Just Trust Me: CBS Tony Dokoupil Bari Weiss Takeover Stance

"Make me earn it." In an era of deep skepticism toward legacy media, CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil has issued a bold challenge to his own audience. Instead of demanding blind faith, he's asking viewers to hold him to the highest standard of accountability.

Tony Dokoupil Vows Independence Amid Bari Weiss Takeover

On New Year's Day 2026, Dokoupil delivered a powerful address, acknowledging that people don't trust the press like they used to. He emphasized that his primary loyalty lies with the viewer—not advertisers, politicians, or even the corporate owners of CBS. This statement comes at a sensitive time following Paramount's merger with Skydance and the controversial installation of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief.

The Crisis of Faith in Legacy Media

The 45-year-old anchor criticized his peers, noting that the press has often missed the story by favoring the perspectives of elites over average Americans. Drawing from over 20 years of reporting across the country, Dokoupil promised a return to fundamental truth-telling.

• Transparency: Reporting what he knows and how he knows it.
• Accountability: Admitting when he gets it wrong.
• Neutrality: Holding everyone in public life to the same standard.

Since Bari Weiss took the helm in October 2025, her tenure has been marked by friction, including criticism from figures like George Clooney. Dokoupil's formal start on January 5 will be a litmus test for the network's rebranding efforts.