“CBS Evening News” anchor John Dickerson says he will leave the network at the end of this year. His departure may be one of a number of big names who may be departing the news outlet.
Dickerson, a longtime political correspondent, revealed his departure in a social media post on Monday.
“I am extremely grateful for all that CBS gave me – the work, the audience’s attention and the honor of being a part of the network’s history,” Dickerson wrote. “I will miss you.”
The decision to leave CBS News was an independent decision by Dickerson, according to The New York Times, which cited “people familiar with his thinking.”
Baier denies that a move to CBS is pending
Among the reported candidates to replace Dickerson is Fox News’ Bret Baier. However, he shot down the idea after reports that CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss was seeking to bring him in to anchor the network’s flagship evening news.
Baier told Meghan McCain during an interview that he will not move to CBS, citing a “multi-year contract with Fox,” and expressing satisfaction with his continued role at the conservative news network.
Other big names may be in jeopardy
Dickerson’s announcement comes as Weiss is reportedly looking to shake up coverage, and a number of the network’s anchors may soon be getting the ax, as reported by The New York Post.
According to the Post, David Ellison, the CEO of CBS parent company Paramount Skydance, believes coverage on “60 Minutes” has moved too far to the left, and Scott Pelley is among those who may be ousted as a result of Weiss’ desired changes to CBS coverage.
Pelley notably condemned CBS’s then-owner, Paramount, on-air this summer over its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a lawsuit that accused the network of deceptively editing a “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during last year’s presidential campaign.
The journalist who conducted the interview with Harris, Bill Whitaker, may also reportedly be among the casualties.
However, Lesley Stahl, also of “60 Minutes,” who last year refused to heed Trump’s demand to apologize for dismissing the Post’s Hunter Biden laptop report, is said to be a “treasure” to Weiss and may keep her role. The news comes despite rumors of the 83-year-old’s potential retirement, according to a source that spoke with the Post.
Another reported target for termination is “CBS Mornings” cohost Gayle King, whose salary is reportedly an issue for Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski.
Weiss aiming to bring back Herridge
Weiss is also pushing to bring back former CBS News investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge, who previously clashed with CBS leadership over her coverage of Hunter Biden’s laptop.
“Big changes are coming,” a source familiar with the matter told the Post.
