CBS Evening News achieved a significant ratings boost on January 19, 2024, with an audience of 6.4 million viewers, marking its highest figures in five years. The broadcast also attracted 803,000 viewers in the key adults 25-54 demographic, according to Nielsen data cited by CBS News PR. This surge comes as a welcome development for the network, which has faced challenges with declining viewership due to the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits.
Tony Dokoupil, who became the sole anchor of CBS Evening News on January 5, has experienced a turbulent start. His debut week averaged only 4.17 million viewers, representing a 23% drop compared to the same period the previous year, as reported by Variety. However, the January 19 episode’s impressive performance indicates a potential turnaround, especially in a demographic that is highly valued by advertisers.
Viewer Interest Driven by High-Profile Interview
The ratings increase coincides with heightened public interest in Dokoupil’s recent interview with former President Donald Trump, which garnered 4.3 million viewers the week prior, according to TheWrap. CBS News PR noted that the January 19 broadcast exceeded seasonal averages and revived viewership levels not seen since 2021. Analysts attribute this rise to Dokoupil’s direct and confrontational interviewing style, appealing to audiences seeking candid political discussions.
CBS News PR highlighted consistent viewer gains since Dokoupil’s first week. His initial episode on January 5 attracted 4.4 million viewers, up 9% from the previous season’s average, while the January 12 broadcast saw a 5% increase in total viewers and a remarkable 15% rise in the 25-54 demographic. These early figures suggest that the program may be stabilizing following Dokoupil’s transition.
Challenges and Competition in Evening News
Despite the recent boost, Dokoupil’s early ratings were overshadowed by competitors. ABC’s World News Tonight topped the charts with 8.1 million viewers, while NBC’s Nightly News attracted 6.73 million. CBS’s January 19 peak, however, indicates a narrowing gap, hinting at potential volatility driven by significant news events.
Internal dynamics at CBS have shifted, particularly following the departure of former anchor Norah O’Donnell in early 2024 amid declining ratings. The network’s decision to appoint Dokoupil as the sole anchor reflects a strategic move towards a more streamlined, versatile news format. His previous experience covering extremism and political extremes positions him well to engage viewers with controversial topics.
The 803,000 adults aged 25-54 on January 19 represented a 10% increase from Dokoupil’s premiere week, as per CBS’s January 22 update. This demographic performance, which rose 13% compared to prior averages, could enhance advertising revenue in a fragmented television market where linear news viewership has decreased significantly over the past five years.
Despite the upward trend, skepticism remains regarding sustainability. Critics on social media and media watchdog platforms have engaged in discussions about Dokoupil’s style and its appeal. However, CBS insiders maintain optimism, emphasizing long-term metrics, including the potential for increased streaming viewership through platforms like Paramount+.
As the evening news landscape continues to evolve, the recent ratings spike for CBS Evening News highlights the impact of high-profile interviews and dynamic presentation styles. The coming weeks will be crucial for Dokoupil’s tenure as he navigates the challenges of reviving viewer interest in a rapidly changing media environment. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with CBS News PR reporting that viewer averages have increased by 4% and the key demo by 13% over the initial weeks of his anchor role. The effectiveness of Dokoupil’s approach in reversing years of audience erosion will be closely monitored as the program progresses.
