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Ratings Struggles Continue for “CBS Mornings” Despite Controversial Interview
While the adage suggests that any publicity can be beneficial, “CBS Mornings” appears to be experiencing the opposite effect. The show’s ratings have not improved following a highly publicized controversial interview involving co-anchor Tony Dokoupil and pro-Palestinian author Ta-Nehisi Coates.
In a broadcast on October 1, Dokoupil challenged Coates regarding his criticisms of Israel in the recently published book, “The Message.” This encounter quickly became a focal point for discussion; however, it also stirred significant internal conflict at CBS. Some within the network defended Dokoupil for his direct approach, while others condemned it, leading to an institutional reckoning about editorial standards and the handling of sensitive topics.
CBS MORNINGS MIDST INTERNAL STRIFE AMID MULTIPLE CONTROVERSIES
The interview’s aftermath has failed to boost viewership numbers. “CBS Mornings” has consistently occupied the third slot in the morning show ratings hierarchy, trailing behind NBC’s “Today” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Despite the increased media scrutiny that emerged from the Coates interview, viewership remains stagnant.
In 2024, the program has averaged 2.1 million viewers, yet since the Coates interview, that figure has dipped slightly under two million, translating to a 1% decrease. Compared to the same time period in 2023, “CBS Mornings” has seen a 9% decline in viewership.
Focusing on the crucial demographic of adults aged 25-54, the show reported an average of 375,000 viewers since the interview—a 12% drop from its previous average of 425,000. When examined against last year’s data during the same timeframe, this marks a 13% decrease in the same demo.
Interestingly, “Today” and “Good Morning America” also experienced minor declines in total viewership recently, although they maintain their leading positions in the market. Currently, “Good Morning America” averages 2.75 million total viewers, with “Today” following closely behind at 2.7 million. In terms of the coveted 25-54 demographic, “Today” boasts 647,000 viewers, compared to “GMA’s” 499,000.
DOKOUPIL FACES BACKLASH AMONG COLLEAGUES POST INTERVIEW
The reaction within CBS following the interview has led to a reassessment of editorial approaches in handling contentious issues. A subsequent review by network leadership indicated that Dokoupil’s questions and tone did not align with the company’s established editorial guidelines, resulting in a meeting with the network’s Race and Culture unit.
This internal feedback, which leaked to media outlets, sparked further debate about the boundaries of journalistic inquiry and respect toward diverse perspectives, especially in heavily charged political contexts. The incident has been reported extensively, receiving attention from major news outlets and media critics alike.
As the fallout continues, conversations surrounding not only Dokoupil’s interview style but also the network’s editorial direction are ongoing. The broader implications for “CBS Mornings,” particularly in light of its persistent viewership challenges, remain to be seen as the program navigates these complex dynamics.
Source
www.foxnews.com