CBS Evening News Sees Ratings Surge Despite Anchor Criticism

The recently reimagined “CBS Evening News” experienced a notable surge in viewership following the departure of anchor Norah O’Donnell. However, industry pundits anticipate that this transient increase in audience numbers, described by some as “óstodgy,” is unlikely to be sustainable.

“Viewership for the ‘Evening News’ was never predicated on Norah’s appeal, which was decidedly tepid. Audiences merely indulged their curiosity,” remarked a long-time television producer in an interview with The Post, before critiquing new anchors Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson.

“They emanate an aura of antiquation and lack vibrancy.”

During their inaugural broadcast on Monday, the program attracted an average of 5.2 million viewers, reflecting a 14% uptick from O’Donnell’s averages in the preceding year, as indicated by preliminary ratings data obtained by The Post.

Nevertheless, the broadcast remained firmly entrenched in third place, trailing competitors ABC and NBC.

“Dickerson and DuBois are, in many respects, the inferior counterparts of David Muir and Lester Holt,” a second network insider opined, alluding to the widely respected evening news anchors of ABC and NBC.

The initial source added, “Their dynamic resembles that of ‘The Odd Couple,’ yet the latter was characterized by genuine chemistry.”

Describing the debut as “uninspiring,” another insider noted that the program’s capability to retain its audience would become evident by the end of the week.

A CBS News representative declined to provide commentary.

O’Donnell helmed the struggling broadcast for five years, during which time it witnessed a staggering 25% decline in ratings. This recent increase was, therefore, a welcome shift.

However, sustaining even a modest ratings increase proves challenging in the contemporary landscape of television news. When CBS appointed Katie Couric as anchor, her debut drew an impressive 14 million viewers, yet by the end of that week, the numbers plummeted to 8 million.

While viewership habits have evolved dramatically with the proliferation of streaming services, the significance of nightly newscasts has diminished correspondingly.

This new format emerges from the strategic vision of CBS News President Wendy McMahon, previously of ABC, and Bill Owens, executive producer of “60 Minutes.” Their goal is to enhance in-depth storytelling while simultaneously curtailing production costs with less renowned talent.

In its first two episodes, the program featured segments scrutinizing the ramifications of the war in Gaza, the poignant narrative of a terminally ill patient turning to medical aid to end their life, and an exploration into ICE’s preparations for impending immigration raids in New York City.

However, some critics caution that audiences may be alienated by an overly intricate and ambitious reporting structure within the confines of a 30-minute segment.

“The capacity for audiences to engage with a report-heavy format featuring numerous segments may well be overstated,” one former television executive commented.

Another insider highlighted fundamental issues, pointing out that the utilization of a singular camera for two anchors lent the production an amateurish quality, exacerbated by an overly dimly lit set.

“The presentation resembles a boosted iteration of local news,” the insider concluded.