It’s Failing’: Megyn Kelly Blames Bari Weiss for Tony Dokoupil’s Crying Segment and His Attempts to ‘Therapize’ Viewers — ‘This is a Lesbian’s Idea of What Women Want’
Megyn Kelly Critiques Bari Weiss and Tony Dokoupil’s Approach to CBS Evening News
Megyn Kelly, the outspoken host of The Megyn Kelly Show, has publicly blamed Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, for the struggling launch of Tony Dokoupil as the anchor of CBS Evening News. Kelly’s sharp critique centers on Dokoupil’s emotional demeanor and his attempts to “therapize” viewers during broadcasts, which she claims reflect Weiss’s personal perspective rather than the audience’s expectations.
Kelly dubbed Dokoupil “Toprah,” a nickname that highlights his frequent tears and soft-spoken style on air. She argues that this approach is misguided and does not resonate with the CBS Evening News audience, who, according to her, want a more assertive and protective figure leading the broadcast.
The Emotional On-Air Style That’s Not Connecting
Tony Dokoupil’s transition to the primetime anchor role has been marked by several on-air emotional moments that have drawn criticism from viewers and media commentators alike. On his very first broadcast, Dokoupil experienced a visible meltdown over a teleprompter error, which undermined his promise to be a strong successor to legendary broadcasters like Walter Cronkite.
In one particularly notable segment, Dokoupil broke down in tears while reflecting on the city of Miami, a piece intended to create an emotional bond with viewers. Instead, many online viewers mocked the display, interpreting it as overly sentimental and out of place for a national news broadcast.
Megyn Kelly took issue not only with these emotional displays but also with what she perceives as Dokoupil’s patronizing tone toward the audience. She compared his style to “Stuart Smalley vibes,” referencing the fictional self-help guru known for his overly gentle and affirming approach. Kelly argued that viewers want straightforward news delivery without being “handheld” or emotionally coddled.
Kelly’s Take on Bari Weiss’s Influence
Kelly attributes Dokoupil’s style to Bari Weiss’s influence as CBS News editor-in-chief. Weiss, an openly lesbian journalist married to a woman, has reportedly shaped the network’s approach to news presentation in a way that Kelly believes reflects a “lesbian’s idea of what women want.” This controversial statement suggests that Kelly thinks Weiss’s personal identity has led to a misreading of the audience’s preferences.
According to Kelly, Weiss envisioned a softer, more empathetic male anchor to appeal to women viewers. However, Kelly contends that this strategy is backfiring, as many viewers prefer an anchor with “balls” and “a spine” — someone who projects strength and protection rather than vulnerability.
Kelly illustrated this point by describing her own family’s concept of a “first defender,” the person who would be the first to confront danger and protect loved ones. She argued that Dokoupil does not fit this role, which she believes is essential for a trusted news anchor.
Declining Ratings and Viewer Backlash
The CBS Evening News has experienced a significant drop in viewership since Tony Dokoupil took over as anchor. Kelly highlighted that the program’s ratings are down by 23 percent year-over-year in key demographics, indicating a loss of nearly a quarter of its audience. This decline is particularly notable when compared to the higher ratings achieved by previous anchors John Dickerson and Maurice Dubois.
Kelly warned that unless CBS listens to critics and viewers who are unhappy with the current direction, the downward trend is likely to continue. She suggested that Bari Weiss and the network’s leadership need to reconsider their approach if they want to regain lost viewers and improve the show’s standing.
Despite her harsh criticism, Kelly admitted she is somewhat entertained by the situation and is not necessarily rooting for CBS to succeed under the current leadership. This candid admission underscores the intensity of the debate surrounding the network’s future.
What CBS Needs to Do Next
Megyn Kelly’s commentary offers a clear message to CBS News: the network must rethink its strategy for the Evening News anchor role. According to Kelly, viewers want a news anchor who delivers the news with confidence and authority, rather than one who appears overly emotional or attempts to “therapize” the audience.
Kelly’s advice to Bari Weiss and CBS executives is to listen closely to viewer feedback and critics who have voiced concerns about the current format. By doing so, the network could potentially reverse its ratings slump and restore trust among its audience.
Ultimately, Kelly’s critique highlights a broader conversation about how news organizations balance empathy and strength in their presentation styles, especially in an era where viewers seek both authenticity and reliability from their news sources.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s pointed criticism of Bari Weiss and Tony Dokoupil’s approach to CBS Evening News shines a spotlight on the challenges the network faces in connecting with its audience. Kelly argues that the emotional, therapeutic style promoted by Weiss has alienated viewers who want a stronger, more assertive anchor. With ratings declining sharply, CBS must consider whether its current strategy aligns with what viewers truly want. If you’re interested in staying updated on media industry trends and news anchor controversies, be sure to follow our latest articles and share your thoughts on how news broadcasts can better serve their audiences.
