'Face the Nation' Anchor John Dickerson to Leave CBS News After 16 Years — Details

The 57-year-old veteran political journalist is leaving the network he served for years, prompting interest in what his next chapter might hold.

John Dickerson announced on Monday, October 27, 2025, that he will leave CBS News at the end of the year, marking the conclusion of a 16-year career with the iconic network.

The announcement, shared in a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, reflected on a journey that saw him rise from respected correspondent to a household name in American broadcast journalism.

Dickerson thanked CBS for the work that shaped him, the audience who listened, and the rare privilege of contributing to the network’s storied history. But perhaps most moving was his tribute to the colleagues who, he said, made him not just a stronger journalist, but a better human being.

As word of Dickerson's departure spread, some aimed their criticism at his most recent on-air work and his pairing with colleague Maurice DuBois.

"He deserves to go," one remarked bluntly. Another observed, "Unfortunate. But the pairing of him and Maurice was not working. Very dull news program. CBSs [sic] standing as a news leader is falling."

Speculation about who might replace Dickerson quickly gained traction, with some pointing to familiar names from rival networks. "I heard they are considering Bret Baier. That has to be a joke, right?" one suggested, referring to the Fox News anchor.

"Maybe Alex Jones can take his spot?" someone quipped. Another person noted, "DuBois is next. Put Jericka Duncan in there. She can read a teleprompter, too."

Still, not all reactions were critical. Several praised Dickerson's principles and professionalism. "Because he has morals and integrity," one comment praised.

Another added, "Of course, he an honest reporter who won't put up with nonsense that is coming [sic]." And one supporter simply stated, "He has ethics, honor & integrity as a person and journalist."

Behind the scenes at CBS, the mood turned quietly grim. According to The Independent, news of Dickerson's departure was first delivered during a 10 a.m. editorial call on Monday, catching many staffers off guard.

Inside the newsroom, the response was immediate and emotional. Multiple sources at CBS News reportedly voiced their disappointment. "He is a true journalist," one network reporter said.

A senior staff member reportedly described Dickerson's departure as a "huge, huge loss" to the network. Another employee was even more blunt, suggesting there was a belief inside the newsroom that the network had set him up to fail.

The timing of Dickerson's exit comes as CBS News undergoes a major shakeup in leadership. The newly installed editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, is looking to redefine the network's primetime identity.

In just her first few weeks, she has reportedly floated the idea of bringing in big names to lead evening news coverage, including Baier and CNN's Anderson Cooper, who already contributes to "60 Minutes."

Sources familiar with internal discussions say Weiss wants to make a bold move, and that Cooper is high on her list. As CBS looks ahead, Dickerson's farewell leaves a clear gap in the newsroom.

During his time at the network, he was a familiar presence in election coverage and major interviews. According to his website, he currently holds several key roles: co-anchor of "CBS Evening News," chief political analyst, and senior national correspondent.

He also hosted "The Daily Report with John Dickerson," a streaming show known for in-depth news and extended interviews.

Beyond CBS, his voice has echoed across multiple platforms. He co-hosts "Slate's Political Gabfest," contributes to The Atlantic, and created the "Whistlestop podcast," which explores presidential history through a rich personal lens.

Dickerson's writing life has been just as prolific. His latest release, "Navel Gazing," compiles 35 years of handwritten notes into a deeply personal collection of essays.

Before CBS, he was already a heavyweight, serving as White House and congressional correspondent for Time magazine, as well as chief political correspondent for Slate magazine.

Over the course of nine presidential campaigns, he earned multiple honors, including the Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency and the David Broder Award.

He is also the author of several books, including "On Her Trail," a memoir of his mother Nancy Dickerson, CBS News' first female correspondent, as well as "Whistlestop" and "The Hardest Job in the World."

Dickerson's exit came amid a wave of high-profile shake-ups in broadcast journalism, including Hoda Kotb's headline-making decision to step away from NBC's "Today" show.

Kotb's departure in January 2025 closed the curtain on one of the most recognizable roles in morning television, but it also marked the start of something far more personal.

After stepping, Kotb retreated from the spotlight and embraced a quieter life centered on motherhood, personal wellness, and a renewed sense of inner peace. Only recently did she reveal the deeper, more emotional reasons behind her decision to walk away.

In recent months, Hoda Kotb has shifted to a different lifestyle. Her demanding TV schedule has been replaced by early mornings that start at 4:30 a.m., with journaling, meditation, and quiet time to herself.

She now walks her daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 5, to school, enjoys new hobbies like tennis, and has even launched a new business called Joy 101. The wellness company includes an app, a subscription newsletter, and live events—all focused on joy, mindfulness, and meditation.

Yet Kotb says it's the quiet, everyday moments that have changed her the most, like watching her daughter sing "What a Wonderful World" at exactly 9:15 a.m., a memory she recalled with unmistakable warmth

"It's really cool to just realize that there's so much more to life," she said. "I wasn't able to bear witness to my kids' daily lives because of what I was doing."

The decision to leave her television role was deeply rooted in her desire to be more available for her family, especially after Hope's serious health scare in early 2023. When Hope was hospitalized for more than a week with undisclosed symptoms, Kotb took a temporary leave from "Today" to be by her side.

After returning to her hosting duties, she told viewers, "My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week. I'm so grateful she's home." She also revealed that the experience was "really scary" while speaking to co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Now, the truth has finally come to light. Speaking to People, Kotb revealed that doctors diagnosed little Hope with type 1 diabetes, a chronic and life-altering condition that demands round-the-clock care and daily insulin injections.

Since receiving the diagnosis, Kotb has stepped fully into caregiver mode, often waking multiple times each night to check Hope's blood sugar. "It's kind of constant care for Hope. We're monitoring her 24/7," she said.

The family initially endured up to five injections a day, a grueling routine that has since eased thanks to improved treatment methods.

Despite the challenges, Kotb paints a picture of resilience and joy. She is a happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid," she said. "Diabetes is a part of her, but not all of her. I hope it shapes her but never defines her."

Kotb also revealed that while her daughter's medical needs played a major role, they weren't the only reason behind her departure. The decision, she hinted, had been building for some time.

Kotb announced her plans to leave the show in September 2024, shortly after her birthday. During an emotional on-air segment, she explained, "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new."