CBS News has selected Tony Dokoupil as its new 'Evening News' anchor following a December dinner meeting where network executives pitched him the role. The former 'CBS Mornings' co-host emerged from a search that included Anderson Cooper and Bret Baier, both locked into contracts elsewhere.

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and executive producer Kim Harvey joined Bari Weiss at an upscale Manhattan restaurant to present their vision for the flagship broadcast. Weiss expressed confidence that Dokoupil was the right choice after their discussions. The position represents one of television news' most prestigious roles, historically occupied by Walter Cronkite, who became known as 'the Most Trusted Man in America.'

This anchor transition carries significant business weight for CBS. The 'Evening News' slot directly impacts ratings and advertising revenue, making it crucial for the network's competitive positioning against NBC and ABC. Dokoupil's selection signals CBS's attempt to rebuild its news brand amid ongoing industry challenges.

The move places considerable pressure on Dokoupil to restore viewership to historic levels while navigating modern media dynamics that differ markedly from Cronkite's era.