In 2025, CBS will significantly revamp its “Evening News” franchise with the introduction of a companion program, “CBS Evening News Plus.” This launch coincides with John Dickerson, Maurice DuBois, and Margaret Brennan assuming the anchor responsibilities for the main broadcast, succeeding Norah O’Donnell after her final broadcast on January 24, 2025.
Dickerson, having recently left “The Daily Report” on CBS News 24/7, will solo anchor the half-hour “Plus” program. It will air at 7 p.m. local time directly following the first 30 minutes of the “CBS Evening News.” Initially, “Plus” will be accessible via the network’s streaming services and on select owned stations: KCBS in Los Angeles, KPIX in San Francisco, KOVR in Sacramento, and WFOR in Miami.
Notably, several major markets, such as New York and Chicago, where CBS owns stations, will not air the “Plus” broadcast over the air at launch. Central time zone markets might face scheduling challenges due to the limited time slot after the national newscast and before local primetime news.
Currently, the 7 p.m. slot frequently features syndicated programming like “Inside Edition” (owned by CBS) or off-network sitcom reruns. The success of “CBS Evening News Plus” could lead to these syndicated programs being replaced. This expansion strategy mirrors the successful model of “CBS Mornings Plus,” an extra hour of the morning show that streams and airs on several owned stations, including KCBS, WBBM, KPIX, WWJ, and WFOR.
Viewers in markets without over-the-air broadcasts can access “Plus,” much like the third hour of “CBS Mornings,” through streaming services.