CBS Anchor Interviews Mom After Boss Calls for More Scoops

Tony Dokoupil's promotion to the evening news slot has prompted criticism of the network's editor in chief, Bari Weiss.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31am

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CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil interviewed his own mother for an on-air segment after his boss, CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss, demanded the struggling network land more 'scoops.' Dokoupil's emotional interview with his mother came shortly after Weiss convened an all-hands meeting to outline her vision for CBS News, which includes a 'huge emphasis on scoops' and a broader, friendlier shift towards the Trump administration.

Why it matters

Dokoupil's promotion and the network's shift under Weiss have drawn criticism, with some questioning whether the network is moving in a more MAGA-friendly direction under her leadership. The interview with Dokoupil's mother is seen by some as an attempt to humanize the anchor and his family background.

The details

In the segment, Dokoupil discussed a study that found grandparents who care for their grandchildren score better on memory and language tests. He then turned to his mother, Gail, for commentary on the benefits of caring for grandchildren. Dokoupil wrapped up the segment with an emotional sign-off, saying 'Something magical happens when a parent becomes a grandparent' and that he could now use his mother's line on him as a kid, 'It's for your own good, Mom.'

  • Dokoupil was promoted to the CBS Evening News anchor role in 2026.
  • Weiss convened an all-hands meeting on Tuesday to outline her vision for CBS News.

The players

Tony Dokoupil

The CBS Evening News anchor who interviewed his mother on air.

Bari Weiss

The editor-in-chief of CBS News who called for the network to place a 'huge emphasis on scoops' and take a more friendly approach to the Trump administration.

Gail

Dokoupil's mother, who was interviewed by her son on the CBS Evening News.

Brian Lowry

A media columnist and critic who mocked Dokoupil's overly familiar approach to the evening news.

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What they’re saying

“I find that they give me a sense of purpose. They energize me more than drive me down.”

— Gail (CBS Evening News)

“Ah, a throwback to those days where they tried to humanize [Walter] Cronkite by having him co-anchor with his dog, Trusty.”

— Brian Lowry, Media columnist and critic (Status)

What’s next

Weiss acknowledged that CBS News is currently not 'producing a product enough people want,' urging staff to 'create the wave and then ride it.' The network's shift under her leadership will likely continue to be closely watched.

The takeaway

Dokoupil's interview with his mother is seen as an attempt to humanize the anchor and his family background, but it has also drawn criticism as an overly familiar approach to the evening news. The changes underway at CBS News under Weiss' leadership have raised concerns about the network's direction.