In a stunning turn of events, Maurice DuBois — veteran journalist and face of CBS Evening News — announced he will leave the network on December 18, 2025. His departure comes just weeks after his co-anchor John Dickerson revealed he was also stepping away.

The shockwave is already rippling through the media world: for the first time in much of its modern history, “CBS Evening News” will go into the new year without a designated anchor team. Industry insiders wonder — is this a signal of bigger changes at CBS, or the end of an era for the network’s evening newscast?

A Career Cut Short — What Happened to DuBois?

Maurice DuBois isn’t exactly a newcomer to broadcast journalism. A Northwestern University graduate, he built a career that spanned more than two decades at CBS, including a long run anchoring at WCBS-TV in New York.

He became a national name earlier this year when, in January 2025, he was paired with John Dickerson to lead CBS Evening News — a bold pivot away from the show’s long-time anchor format.

But less than a year later, DuBois is calling it a wrap. His exit announcement — made public via social post — said simply that December 18 will be his “last broadcast at CBS News.” He described the role as “the honor of a lifetime,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to deliver the news and connect with audiences night after night.

He did not offer a next career destination, leaving many to speculate whether he’ll stick around in journalism or pursue something new.

Why the Sudden Departure? The Bigger Picture Behind the Shake-Up

On its surface, DuBois’ exit seems abrupt — but dig a layer deeper and you find “CBS Evening News” was already a show in flux. The dual-anchor format with DuBois and Dickerson had been introduced only months earlier, part of a broader attempt to retool the broadcast with a more magazine-style, long-form approach — moving away from strictly bulletins toward deeper storytelling.

The gamble, however, appears to have fallen flat. The new format struggled to find its footing, failing to attract ratings needed to rival its competitors — leaving “CBS Evening News” in third place among major evening broadcasts.

Layered on top of this creative failure is a corporate shake-up. Earlier this year, CBS’ parent company merged with a larger media entity, triggering changes in leadership and a wave of restructuring across the network.

Into this maelstrom stepped Bari Weiss, newly installed as editor in chief of CBS News — a move widely seen as controversial given her background. Under her watch, longstanding anchors are being replaced, formats revamped, and nothing on the broadcast schedule seems sacred.

Against that backdrop, DuBois’ departure looks less like a personal decision and more like the result of a sweeping reconfiguration of CBS’ news division.

The Domino Effect: What This Means for CBS Evening News

With both DuBois and Dickerson leaving, “CBS Evening News” finds itself anchorless — a situation that was unthinkable just a few months ago.

At least one name is already under consideration as a potential replacement: Tony Dokoupil, currently a co-host on the morning show for the network, is reportedly being eyed as a candidate.

But the uncertainty now looms large. Will CBS trust the gamble again — swap anchors, maybe shift format — or is the network preparing for an even deeper overhaul? With “CBS Evening News” trailing rivals and pressure mounting from corporate leadership, the decision they make in the coming weeks could reshape how evening news is delivered for years to come.

For viewers, it’s jarring: familiar faces gone, a flagship broadcast left adrift. For journalists, it’s a stark reminder of the fragile balance between editorial vision and corporate strategy.

Reflecting on DuBois’ Legacy: What He Leaves Behind

Maurice DuBois leaves a legacy that spans much more than headlines. In his 21 years with CBS, he anchored local news in New York, reported for national programs, and built a reputation for fairness, empathy, and professionalism.

He covered some of the biggest stories of his generation — national political conventions, major international events, world-shaking moments.

Colleagues and competitors alike have praised him for his ability to connect with viewers — not just through polished delivery, but through humanity and respect. As Dickerson said in his farewell tribute: DuBois was always “ready to race off to cover a shooting, fire, riots, devastating floods, or the changing of a Pope — all of which he did — and cover all with empathy and equanimity.”

Whatever lies ahead, that commitment to journalistic integrity — in an era when the very nature of news is being questioned — may be DuBois’ most enduring accomplishment.

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding, Reinventing — or Risking Further Decline

As the calendar flips into 2026, “CBS Evening News” faces a pivotal juncture. The network must decide what to do next: bring in a strong anchor, reimagine the format again, or scrap the traditional evening newscast altogether. Whatever path is chosen, it will come against a backdrop of mounting skepticism from viewers — and growing pressure from corporate leadership to deliver results.

One thing is certain: the names and faces may change, but the challenge remains. In an age of streaming, social media, and shrinking attention spans, even the most storied broadcast faces an existential fight to remain relevant.

For now, the lights dim on one chapter — but the story isn’t over. And like any compelling news story, what happens next may surprise us.