The debut episode of a retooled CBS Night Information tonight was notable for what it wasn’t: A showcase for a star anchor.
Somewhat, it opened with the twin anchor staff of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois getting proper to the purpose of their high story — the “earthquake on this planet of synthetic intelligence,” or China’s breakthrough DeepSeek that gave an enormous shake to U.S. markets.
Then it was on to enter from Washington, the place Margaret Brennan weighed in in opposition to a tranquil backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial.
Later, Jim Axelrod did an prolonged story on Chinese language espionage and Elizabeth Palmer reported on Hamas recruitment, later elaborating on their items with the anchors in studio. Mark Strassmann did an in-depth Eye On America story on the house insurance coverage disaster, specializing in one man who misplaced his residence solely to find his protection wasn’t practically sufficient to satisfy the rebuilding value.
Final week, Norah O’Donnell signed off as anchor of CBS Night Information after 5 years, however the community, like different extra cost-conscious information divisions, has got down to do one thing totally different. 60 Minutes govt producer Invoice Owens, now doing twin responsibility supervising the night broadcast, promised that the retooled half-hour wouldn’t be “the normal headlines that transfer from one clipped story to the following.” That was very true within the debut, when there was however a short rundown of high tales. Surprisingly, solely then was there a point out of a narrative centering on Donald Trump.
Owens additionally has signaled much less “filler” and longer segments, giving the night broadcast some really feel of 60 Minutes with the experiences even including credit to the producer and editor. 60 Minutes correspondents additionally might present up every now and then. That may not be altogether totally different as O’Donnell additionally did items for the signature franchise, most notably her interview with Pope Francis, however it will draw on what has been high scores getter of the information division.
CBS Night Information has lengthy remained in third place, to the purpose the place merely selecting one other excessive profile persona was in all probability unlikely to maneuver the needle. The community’s adjustments will not be revolutionary — some years in the past the concept was floated to have Jon Stewart however they communicate to the necessity to give the night information format a refresh. Dickerson and DuBois are strong, critical journalists, however in a retooled CBS Night Information that emphasizes substantive tales, they’re additionally sharing the highlight.
