Tony Dokoupil made his debut as the anchor for CBS Evening News on January 5, 2024, but the introduction did not go as smoothly as planned. During the broadcast, a technical glitch disrupted the transition between stories, leaving Dokoupil momentarily speechless. This incident, while unfortunate, was quickly rectified for the west coast viewers by reshooting the segment before its delayed airing.
The mishap occurred while Dokoupil was transitioning from a report on the captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to a story about Senator Mark Kelly. According to sources at CBS, the teleprompter malfunctioned, causing confusion during the live broadcast. Dokoupil found himself caught off guard, asking questions about the upcoming stories while the prompter failed to provide the expected cues.
Viewers in Los Angeles did not experience the slip-up; CBS News had preemptively reshot the segment for the west coast broadcast. This practice is not uncommon when newsrooms face technical difficulties, allowing for a polished presentation. By the time the broadcast was available on the CBS News website, the error had been eliminated, showcasing a seamless transition to the news about Senator Kelly.
Despite the awkward moment, Dokoupil maintained his composure during the live broadcast. In the original clip, he can be heard saying, “To other news now, to Gov. Walz. No, we’re going to do Mark Kelly,” followed by some uncertainty about the direction of the coverage. The moment led to online commentary, with author Don Winslow sharing the clip on social media, highlighting the live nature of news broadcasting.
The incident serves as a reflection of the changes underway at CBS News under the leadership of Bari Weiss. Weiss, who has garnered attention for her editorial choices, is part of a new regime that follows a significant restructuring after David Ellison acquired CBS and merged it with his company, Skydance. This shift has seen a notable exodus of talent and a change in editorial direction, leaning more right of center compared to the station’s previous stance.
Starting from January 6, 2024, Dokoupil will embark on a nationwide tour, broadcasting live from various locations, beginning in Miami. While this approach aims to engage viewers across the country, it may also lead to additional technical challenges. CBS Evening News intends to maintain a polished presentation, assuring audiences that any glitches will be addressed in post-production.
As CBS News navigates these changes, the debut of Tony Dokoupil highlights both the excitement of new leadership and the inherent unpredictability of live television. The network’s commitment to delivering quality news remains steadfast, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
