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Dokoupil Shrugs Off Backlash as CBS Evening News Relaunch Draws Fire

Dokoupil briefly acknowledged viewer feedback after a week marked by criticism, with a reported producer firing.

Overview

  • Tony Dokoupil closed Friday’s broadcast with a wry thanks for viewers’ “notes” and said the Live From America tour resumes Monday in Denver.
  • Senior producer Javier Guzman was dismissed Wednesday after raising concerns about the show’s editorial direction, according to people familiar with the decision, as CBS declined to discuss personnel matters.
  • The rollout drew heat for segments including a Miami clip in which Dokoupil cried, a meme-style salute to Marco Rubio, a Dallas helicopter ride with Jerry Jones, and a Minneapolis commentary criticized as vague.
  • Megyn Kelly mocked the Miami clip on her show, while Variety and Wonkette faulted the newscast’s tone and framing in its first week.
  • Early Nielsen data show a slight ratings uptick from the season average, though the broadcast remains behind ABC World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News.