How Tony Dokoupil Builds Trust: Why Earning It Matters More Than Asking for It

Tony Dokoupil has acknowledged a significant decline in public trust toward legacy media, including major news outlets like CBS. He attributes this skepticism to the media’s historical tendency to prioritize the viewpoints of advocates, elites, and experts instead of reflecting the experiences and concerns of everyday Americans.

Dokoupil has heard firsthand from diverse audiences across the country, including neighbors in both West Virginia and New York City. They express frustration that important stories—ranging from NAFTA and the Iraq War to more recent topics like COVID-19 responses and political controversies—often lacked the depth or perspective that resonates with the average person.

Drawing from his own experiences, Dokoupil admits that he sometimes felt misrepresented or unheard by mainstream news. He recognizes that the questions the public finds most urgent have not always been asked or answered sufficiently in news coverage. This understanding informs his approach as the new anchor of CBS Evening News.

Dokoupil’s commitment is clear: the audience comes first, not advertisers, politicians, or corporate interests—even those governing CBS itself. “I report for you,” he states, emphasizing transparency about what he knows, how he knows it, and the readiness to acknowledge mistakes openly.

To rebuild trust, he pledges to engage with people across the spectrum, holding public figures accountable consistently. He intends to spotlight both societal problems and the positive ideas worthy of preservation. Dialogues with viewers about what works and what needs change will remain central to his journalism.

This pledge reflects a broader journalistic ethic rooted in truthfulness. Dokoupil asserts that telling the truth is non-negotiable, inviting the public to hold him accountable to this standard.

The “CBS Evening News With Tony Dokoupil” launched in January, airing live at 6:30 p.m. local time on CBS, with re-airings on CBS News 24/7 and streaming options available on CBSNews.com, Paramount+, and the CBS Evening News YouTube channel.

In an era of widespread distrust, Dokoupil’s approach represents a transparent, audience-centered model aimed at restoring media credibility by earning trust rather than assuming it.