CBS Evening News averaged 4.17 million viewers, down 23% year over year during Jan. 5–9, 2026, underscoring broadcast declines and competitive pressure. CBS Evening News ratings and Tony Dokoupil debut performance were compared against a 2025 week lifted by wildfire coverage. Adults 25–54 were down 23%, while ABC had 8.08 million and NBC 6.73 million, maintaining leads. CBS has trailed rivals, averaging 4.171 million in 2024–2025; anchor changes have not reversed erosion. Paramount Skydance’s 2025 Free Press acquisition reshaped CBS News as leadership emphasized “average Americans.” Digital metrics rose, with YouTube views up 58% in the debut week, but linear trends remained weak. The debut drew scrutiny as Hakeem Jeffries criticized a January six report. This overview details ratings context, editorial shifts, and positioning.