1 hour ago : CBS Evening News Ratings Surge: Dokoupil Era Sees Viewership Growth Amidst Competition.
CBS Evening News experienced a ratings surge, with Tony Dokoupil's performance being compared to previous anchors. The show demonstrated viewership growth, standing out amidst competition from NBC and ABC.
July 1, 1941: CBS Television News broadcast begins
On July 1, 1941, the CBS Evening News program began broadcasting under the title CBS Television News.
December 7, 1941: WCBW special report on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, WCBW aired an extensive special report on the Pearl Harbor bombing, featuring radio announcers and experts, marking a significant advancement in live television broadcasting.
December 1941: War Backgrounds newscast
In December 1941, additional newscasts were scheduled including 'War Backgrounds'.
February 1942: World This Week newscast
In February 1942, 'World This Week' newscast was scheduled.
May 1942: WCBW suspends studio operations
In May 1942, WCBW temporarily suspended studio operations due to staff shortages and equipment limitations during World War II, leading to a reduction in live programming.
May 1944: WCBW reopens studios and newscasts return
In May 1944, WCBW reopened its studios as the war began to turn in favor of the Allies, and the newscasts returned, anchored by Ned Calmer, followed by Alan Jackson, Everett Holles, and Dwight Cooke.
1946: WCBW changes call letters to WCBS-TV
In 1946, WCBW changed its call letters to WCBS-TV.
1947: Douglas Edwards begins anchoring
Beginning in 1947, Douglas Edwards became an anchor for WCBS-TV.
February 1948: NBC Television Newsreel premiere
In February 1948, NBC's NBC Television Newsreel premiered.
May 3, 1948: Douglas Edwards anchors CBS Television News
On May 3, 1948, Douglas Edwards began anchoring CBS Television News, a regular 15-minute nightly newscast on the CBS television network, including WCBS-TV, marking the first regularly scheduled network television news program featuring an anchor.
1950: Newscast renamed Douglas Edwards with the News
In 1950, the nightly newscast was renamed Douglas Edwards with the News.
November 30, 1956: First use of videotape technology
On November 30, 1956, the program became the first to use videotape technology to time delay the broadcast for the Western United States.
April 16, 1962: Walter Cronkite succeeds Edwards
On April 16, 1962, Walter Cronkite succeeded Douglas Edwards as anchor, and the broadcast was retitled Walter Cronkite with the News.
November 1963: Cronkite becomes "the most trusted man in America"
In November 1963, Walter Cronkite became known as "the most trusted man in America" due to his coverage of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
1963: CBS Evening News title adopted
February 5, 1966: First Saturday edition of Evening News
On February 5, 1966, the first Saturday edition of the Evening News debuted, anchored by Roger Mudd.
February 1968: Cronkite reports on Tet Offensive
In February 1968, Walter Cronkite traveled to South Vietnam to report on the Tet Offensive.
February 27, 1968: Cronkite's special report on the Tet Offensive
On February 27, 1968, Walter Cronkite's prime time special report, titled Who, What, When, Where, Why, on the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, concluded that the United States could only hope for a "stalemate" in the Vietnam War.
1972: In-depth coverage on the Watergate scandal
In late 1972, Walter Cronkite prodded the show's producers to feature two nights of in-depth coverage on the unfolding Watergate scandal.
1979: Western Edition Introduced
In 1979, CBS introduced a Western edition of the program, which was anchored by Terry Drinkwater.
March 9, 1981: Dan Rather replaces Cronkite
On March 9, 1981, Dan Rather replaced Walter Cronkite as the anchor of the CBS Evening News.
September 1985: Layoffs at Los Angeles Bureau
In September 1985, CBS News instituted layoffs at the Los Angeles bureau following a successful fending off of a takeover attempt of the network by Ted Turner.
September 1, 1986: Rather's "courage" sign-off
On September 1, 1986, Dan Rather closed his Monday broadcast with the word "courage", amid turmoil at CBS News.
September 11, 1987: Rather marches off camera
On September 11, 1987, Dan Rather marched off camera in anger just before a remote broadcast of the program when it appeared that CBS Sports' coverage of a U.S. Open tennis semifinal match between Steffi Graf and Lori McNeil was going to run over into time allotted for the newscast, leading to six minutes of dead air.
1987: 1987–91 theme composed by Trivers-Myers Music returned
The James Horner theme was replaced by the 1987–91 theme composed by Trivers-Myers Music that was used during the Rather era
January 1988: Shouting match with Vice President George H. W. Bush
In January 1988, Dan Rather had a shouting match with Vice President George H. W. Bush during an interview on live television related to the Iran–Contra affair.
1990: CBS Evening News falls to third place
By 1990, the CBS Evening News had fallen to third place in the ratings, behind ABC's World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News.
January 22, 1991: ACT UP demonstration
On January 22, 1991, demonstrators from ACT UP broke into the CBS News studio and chanted "Fight AIDS, not Arabs" during the show's introduction, leading to a commercial break.
1991: Theme Music Replacement
The Trivers-Myers theme was replaced by the 1991 Rick Patterson-composed theme music used during the later portion of Dan Rather's tenure.
May 31, 1993: Connie Chung begins co-anchoring
On May 31, 1993, Connie Chung began co-anchoring the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.
May 19, 1995: Chung's last broadcast as co-anchor
On May 19, 1995, Connie Chung's last broadcast as co-anchor of the CBS Evening News.
May 22, 1995: Return to solo anchor format
On May 22, 1995, the CBS Evening News returned to a solo anchor format, with Dan Rather continuing in his role as anchor.
September 2004: Controversy over Bush's National Guard record
In September 2004, the CBS Evening News faced controversy and a credibility crisis over reports broadcast during the 2004 presidential election campaign, questioning President George W. Bush's Texas Air National Guard record.
March 9, 2005: Rather retires from Evening News
On March 9, 2005, at age 73, Dan Rather retired from the CBS Evening News, exactly 24 years after succeeding Cronkite.
March 10, 2005: Bob Schieffer Succeeds Dan Rather on Interim Basis
On March 10, 2005, Bob Schieffer succeeded Dan Rather on an interim basis as the host of CBS Evening News. The future structure and host of the broadcast were uncertain at that time.
December 1, 2005: Katie Couric Considers CBS Offer
On December 1, 2005, Katie Couric was reportedly considering an offer from CBS to anchor the Evening News.
2005: The CBS Evening News finished with CBS's highest ratings in 10 years
At the end of the 2015–2016 television season, CBS News announced that The CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley finished with CBS's highest ratings in the time period in 10 years, since the 2005–06 season.
2005: ABC News in Flux Following Peter Jenning's Death
In 2005, ABC News was in flux following the death of anchor Peter Jennings.
April 1, 2006: Katie Couric Officially Signs Contract with CBS
On April 1, 2006, Katie Couric officially signed a contract to become anchor of the CBS Evening News.
May 2006: Charles Gibson Appointed Sole Anchor of World News Tonight
In May 2006, Charles Gibson was appointed as the sole anchor of World News Tonight after Elizabeth Vargas' resignation, which led to ABC regaining stability.
June 20, 2006: Rather and CBS end relationship
On June 20, 2006, CBS News President Sean McManus announced that Dan Rather and CBS had agreed to end his 44-year career with the network.
July 2006: Katie Couric Begins at CBS News
In July 2006, Katie Couric began working at CBS News.
September 5, 2006: Katie Couric Succeeds Russ Mitchell as Anchor
On September 5, 2006, Katie Couric succeeded Russ Mitchell as anchor of CBS Evening News.
March 8, 2007: Rome Hartman Replaced by Rick Kaplan as Executive Producer
On March 8, 2007, The New York Times reported that Rome Hartman, the executive producer of CBS Evening News, was being replaced by Rick Kaplan.
April 4, 2007: Couric Commentary Plagiarism Incident
On April 4, 2007, Katie Couric read a commentary substantially lifted from a Wall Street Journal column, leading to the firing of a producer for plagiarism.
August 27, 2008: Praise for Couric's Evening News
On August 27, 2008, Mediabistro praised Couric's Evening News for extensive reporting and content.
September 2008: Couric Interviews Sarah Palin
In September 2008, Katie Couric interviewed Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, earning respect for asking tough questions.
2008: The American flag background on the news set last used
The American flag background on the news set that had been used since the 2008 elections, was last used on Harry Smith interim anchor episodes until 2011.
May 18, 2009: Newscast Graphics Overhauled
On May 18, 2009, the newscast's graphics were overhauled, using a blue and red color scheme with web-influenced motifs and layouts.
2009: CBS Evening News Wins Edward R. Murrow Award
In 2009, the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric won the Edward R. Murrow Award for best newscast.
2009: Couric 2009-2011 graphics used for Pelley's first four years
The Couric 2009-2011 graphics were used for the first four years of Scott Pelley's tenure as anchor until 2015
January 4, 2010: Morgan Freeman Records New Voice-Over
On January 4, 2010, a new voice-over for the opening title sequence, recorded by actor Morgan Freeman, debuted, following Walter Cronkite's death months earlier.
2010: CBS Evening News added 1.4 million viewers
Under Scott Pelley, who assumed the anchor chair in June 2011, the CBS Evening News added 1.4 million viewers and an audience increase of 23%, double NBC and ABC's growth combined over the same period since the 2010–11 season.
April 3, 2011: Couric Reportedly Leaving Evening News
On April 3, 2011, the Associated Press reported that Katie Couric would be leaving the Evening News when her contract expired in June.
May 3, 2011: CBS Confirms Pelley Will Replace Couric
On May 3, 2011, CBS confirmed that Scott Pelley would replace Katie Couric as anchor for the CBS Evening News in June. Also, the graphics were updated and the American flag on the news set was replaced by a replica of the globe fixture during the Cronkite era.
May 13, 2011: Couric Announces Last Broadcast Date
On May 13, 2011, Katie Couric announced that her last broadcast would be May 19, 2011.
May 19, 2011: Couric's Last Broadcast
Katie Couric's last broadcast for CBS Evening News was on May 19, 2011.
June 6, 2011: Scott Pelley's Tenure Begins
Scott Pelley's tenure as anchor for CBS Evening News started on June 6, 2011.
June 24, 2011: Trivers-Myers Theme Last Used on Up to the Minute
On June 24, 2011, the Trivers-Myers Music theme was last used on Up to the Minute.
2011: Original Theme Music
The rebranding of CBS Evening News on August 29, 2022, featured a new theme composed by Antfood, which is an arrangement of the 1987−91 Trivers-Myers theme used during Dan Rather and Scott Pelley's tenures as anchor during their respective eras (1987 and 2011).
May 29, 2015: CBS Evening News Added Viewers Over Past Four Years
On May 29, 2015, it was reported that CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley added more than 1.25 million viewers over the past four years.
2016: CBS Evening News Finishes with Highest Ratings in 10 Years
At the end of the 2015–2016 television season, CBS News announced that The CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley finished with CBS's highest ratings in the time period in 10 years, since the 2005–06 season.
May 30, 2017: Scott Pelley Relieved of Duties
On May 30, 2017, it was reported that Scott Pelley had been relieved of his duties at CBS Evening News but would remain at CBS News as a 60 Minutes correspondent.
May 31, 2017: Pelley's Departure Made Official
On May 31, 2017, the move was made official that Scott Pelley was leaving his role, and Anthony Mason was named interim anchor.
June 6, 2017: Announcement of Pelley's Final Anchor Date
On June 6, 2017, CBS Evening News announced that Scott Pelley would anchor until June 16, 2017.
June 16, 2017: Scott Pelley Anchors his final show
Scott Pelley anchored his final CBS Evening News show on June 16, 2017.
November 26, 2017: First Air Date Announced for Jeff Glor
On November 26, 2017, CBS announced Jeff Glor's first official air date would be December 4, 2017.
May 10, 2019: Glor's Last Day
May 10, 2019, marked the last day of Jeff Glor's tenure as anchor of CBS Evening News. John Dickerson, Major Garrett, and others anchored on an interim basis.
July 15, 2019: O'Donnell Takes Anchor Chair
On July 15, 2019, Norah O'Donnell officially took over as the anchor of CBS Evening News, succeeding Jeff Glor.
April 8, 2022: O'Donnell Renews Contract
On April 8, 2022, it was reported that Norah O'Donnell had renewed her contract to anchor CBS Evening News through at least the 2024 presidential election.
2022: Theme Music Adopted
The theme music adopted in 2022 was dropped, with the original version of the Trivers-Myers theme reinstated when production returned to Studio 47.
July 30, 2024: O'Donnell Steps Down Announcement
On July 30, 2024, Norah O'Donnell announced that she would step down as anchor of the CBS Evening News after the 2024 elections, but will remain with CBS News as a senior correspondent.
September 2024: CBS Mornings Plus Premieres
In September 2024, CBS Mornings Plus premiered, serving as a similar extension of CBS Mornings.
2024: Trump Legal Action Over 60 Minutes
Bill Owens resigned from CBS News on April 22, 2025, amid ongoing legal action from President Donald Trump over a story broadcast on 60 Minutes during the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
2024: O'Donnell's Contract Renewal
In April 2022, O'Donnell reportedly renewed her contract through at least the 2024 presidential election.
January 23, 2025: O'Donnell's Final Edition
January 23, 2025, marked Norah O'Donnell's final edition as anchor of the CBS Evening News.
January 27, 2025: Dickerson and DuBois Debut
On January 27, 2025, John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois debuted as co-anchors of the CBS Evening News.
April 22, 2025: Owens Resigns from CBS News
On April 22, 2025, Bill Owens resigned from CBS News, amid legal action from President Donald Trump over a story broadcast on 60 Minutes.
October 2025: Dickerson to Depart, CBS Evening News Plus Cancelled
In October 2025, John Dickerson announced that he would depart CBS News at the end of the year, and CBS Evening News Plus was also cancelled.
December 4, 2025: DuBois Announces Departure
On December 4, 2025, Maurice DuBois announced that he too would depart from CBS News.
December 10, 2025: Dokoupil Named Anchor
On December 10, 2025, Tony Dokoupil was announced as the new anchor of CBS Evening News.
2025: News magazine-style format
Since 2025, the program has had more of a news magazine-styled format, with a larger focus on long-form stories.
2025: Viewership Decline
Tony Dokoupil's first week on-air in January 2026 saw a 23% decline in viewership compared to the same week in 2025, which fell during Norah O'Donnell's final weeks as anchor.
January 3, 2026: CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil
On January 3, 2026, CBS Evening News was titled as CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil.
January 5, 2026: Dokoupil's Tenure Begins
On January 5, 2026, Tony Dokoupil's tenure as anchor was to begin, with a two-week "Live from America" tour of broadcasts from various cities.
2026: Pro-United States editorial stance announced
In 2026, CBS Evening News announced it will maintain a pro-United States editorial stance.
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