Maurice DuBois’ decision to step away from CBS Evening News after nearly 15 years marks the kind of moment in broadcast journalism that feels both inevitable and unexpectedly emotional. For many viewers, DuBois isn’t just an anchor — he’s a nightly companion, a steady presence delivering the events of the world with calm authority and an unmistakable warmth. His approaching final broadcast on December 18 signals the end of one of the network’s most familiar eras, one shaped by his consistency, professionalism, and the quiet charisma that has defined his storytelling for more than two decades at CBS.
When DuBois joined the CBS family in 2004 at New York’s WCBS-TV, he brought with him the poise of a journalist who understood the power of trust. The Long Island native and Northwestern University alum made an immediate impression. His cadence was measured without being detached, authoritative without being distant. This balance allowed him to quickly become a fixture in New York news before transitioning to the national stage. Over time, he became not just a reporter but a guide — someone who could distill complex stories into understandable narratives without sacrificing nuance.
In his Instagram announcement on December 4, DuBois expressed gratitude in a way that felt sincere and deeply earned. “It has been the Honor of a Lifetime,” he wrote. “What a privilege! To be welcomed into your homes night after night, delivering the news / meeting extraordinary people and telling their stories. I’ll leave filled with gratitude, cherished relationships and amazing memories.” The post acknowledged not just his audience but the many journalists, producers, crew members, and sources who shaped his journey. It read like a farewell crafted by someone who understands that journalism is not a solo act — it is a collective endeavor, built on the stories of others and delivered by teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Over the years, DuBois covered an extraordinary range of topics: elections and political debates, global crises, local tragedies, cultural milestones, and community-driven stories that highlighted the resilience and complexity of everyday life. He interviewed world leaders and ordinary citizens with equal respect, displaying an ability to make viewers feel seen even when they were simply watching from home. It’s this humanity that helped him earn five Emmy Awards and the admiration of colleagues who consistently described him as both a consummate professional and a generous teammate.
Yet as significant as his individual legacy is, DuBois’ departure also arrives at a moment of broader transition for CBS Evening News. His co-anchor, John Dickerson — a familiar face across CBS’ political coverage — announced back in October that he, too, would be stepping away from the show by the end of 2025. The news of Dickerson’s exit raised questions, but the dual departures now raise something more: a sense of uncertainty about what comes next. Dickerson’s announcement came without any detailed explanation, but his message made clear how meaningful the experience had been: “I am extremely grateful for all that CBS gave me — the work, the audience’s attention and the honor of being a part of the network’s history — and I am grateful for my dear colleagues who’ve made me a better journalist and a better human. I will miss you.”
Dickerson will remain on the broadcast until the holidays, which gives CBS a few more weeks of stability before the anchor desk becomes an open question. And it’s a consequential question, because the CBS Evening News has long relied on anchors who do more than read from a teleprompter. They define the personality of the broadcast. They set its tone. They help audiences understand not just what is happening in the world, but why it matters.
For now, CBS has not announced who will succeed either DuBois or Dickerson — an unusual silence that has led to speculation both inside and outside the industry. Will the network promote from within? CBS has a strong bench of correspondents and substitutes who have earned viewer trust in their own right. Or will it pursue an external hire as a way of rebranding the show for a new era? The lack of clarity underscores the magnitude of what follows. Replacing one anchor is significant; replacing both at once is a structural shift that could reshape the program for years to come.
Historically, anchor transitions have been delicate moments for networks. The audience’s relationship with a news anchor is a kind of long-term familiarity that doesn’t always translate easily from one person to another. Viewers gravitate toward anchors not just for their reporting but for the tone and rhythm they bring to the broadcast. DuBois, with his composed demeanor and understated empathy, represented a version of nightly news that valued steadiness over spectacle. Whoever follows him will inherit both those expectations and the pressure to honor a legacy that spans more than two decades.
Even as viewers speculate on what comes next, it’s important to acknowledge how rare it is for an anchor to step away with such grace. DuBois’ announcement did not hint at conflict, burnout, or disagreement. Instead, it reflected a kind of peaceful closure — the sense that after a long and distinguished career, he has earned the right to step back with pride in what he has built. In a field where departures often follow scandals, controversies, or network reshuffles, DuBois’ exit feels refreshingly celebratory.
What he plans to do next remains a mystery. Some longtime viewers hope he will continue in journalism in some form — perhaps through documentaries, special reports, or even teaching. Others imagine he might embrace a quieter life outside the public eye. Whatever path he chooses, it is likely to reflect the thoughtful approach that characterized his work at CBS.
As the final broadcast approaches, the atmosphere inside the CBS Evening News studio is undoubtedly emotional. Colleagues who have worked alongside DuBois for years are preparing to say goodbye not just to a coworker but to a friend. Producers who built rundowns with him, camera operators who recorded thousands of hours of footage, editors who shaped his reports, and correspondents who relied on him to anchor their stories will all feel the shift.
For viewers, there will be a moment of adjustment in the weeks and months ahead. That familiar voice at 6:30 p.m. will no longer open the broadcast, and the rhythm of the news will feel slightly different without DuBois’ steady presence. At first, the absence may feel more noticeable than the arrival of whoever takes his place. This is the nature of media transitions — the change is visible before the new normal fully settles in.
DuBois’ time at CBS reflects something increasingly rare in modern journalism: longevity rooted in trust. He navigated the news landscape through political upheaval, technological disruptions, and the rise of social media, yet he maintained the integrity and respectful tone that audiences value in a world of rapidly shifting information. His departure leaves behind not just an empty anchor chair but a legacy of thoughtful reporting that influenced the network and the industry at large.
The coming weeks will be an opportunity for viewers to appreciate his contributions. His final broadcasts won’t just be routine rundowns of the day’s stories; they will serve as quiet acknowledgments of a journalist who handled every assignment — from breaking news to human-interest pieces — with dedication and humility. And when he signs off for the last time on December 18, it will be more than the end of a broadcast. It will be the close of a chapter that helped define what CBS Evening News has represented for nearly 15 years.
As CBS prepares for a future still filled with questions, one truth remains certain: Maurice DuBois’ impact on the network and its viewers will endure. His voice, his presence, and his commitment to thoughtful journalism have left an imprint that will be felt long after the cameras stop rolling. For the audience, his farewell is both a goodbye and a reminder of what a nightly news anchor can be — not just a reporter, but a trusted witness to the world.
