I already subscribe - yes, it’s not cheap, but the work and the writing is terrific, and they continue to be a home for writers who can’t stomach where they have been: I look at a subscription as helping to support them.
I thought I saw a monthly option today. If so, that is new. It was doing the yearly commitment up front that hit my budget so hard. Always had to wait for a slow month and not many of them these days with prices of everything going up.
I wanted to reach out after watching Tony Dokoupil’s debut on CBS Evening News. From my perspective, the contrast with your tenure could not have been starker. What I witnessed was advocacy masquerading as journalism—editorial choices that served a particular political narrative rather than the public interest.
Your time co-anchoring the Evening News exemplified something increasingly rare: integrity, honesty, and the courage to tell it “the way it is” in the tradition of Walter Cronkite. You understood that a journalist’s duty is to question power, not accommodate it—to serve truth, not agendas.
Those days appear to be gone now for CBS, and that’s a genuine loss for American democracy.
I wanted you to know that your principled journalism was noticed, valued, and deeply appreciated. In an era when newsrooms are abandoning their responsibility to the common good, your work stands as a reminder of what broadcast journalism can and should be.
I'm a bit confused. I thought Tony Dokoupil's debut would be tonight on the Evening News? I will watch tonight with an open mind, AND with an effort to recognize shifts in perspective. I realize that I find it harder to recognize bias when things are aligned with my way of thinking. I miss John Dickerson's thoughtful comments and will make a point of following him anywhere that he shares!:
John: It was very sad to see you and Maurice sign off. You guys and your team provided the best version of the CBS Evening News in many years, speaking as a CBS News viewer for decades. Your historical perspective is important, and I look forward to your work for The Atlantic. I'm game for whatever you've got! Thanks and cordial best wishes.
I’m glad you landed at the trusted news source in The Atlantic! I’m sorry for you and others who have been at CBS doing excellent journalism until the right wing showed up and will drive it into the ground. Can’t wait to hear and read the truths you will tell.
I’m glad to have found your Substack. CBS never will be the same without you. Thank you for all your insights and for always bringing the importance of decency, honorability and truth.
I've been a fan and follower since I first saw your reporting, when your mother was still on air or had recently "retired" (memory fails). I was a big fan of hers too and know that she would have preceding you as an anchor if the glass ceiling had been broken earlier.
8I was WAS UNTIL NOW a life long CBS News junkie. But I'm done. No exaggeration, I'm bumbfounded that CBS would replace there bery best writer and reporter with a pretty faced script reader.
Regarding your work for The Atlantic, I hope to see you soon as a permant analyst on PBS Washington Week. I also hope your contract allows Work on PBS and BBC, the last bastions of unbiased in depth news reporting.
I worry about PBS continuing to exist as we know. Please help them survive if you can.
No matter where you land we'll be there. Honestly if you write for The Atlantic Ill subscribe despite the $$$$ price.
I already subscribe - yes, it’s not cheap, but the work and the writing is terrific, and they continue to be a home for writers who can’t stomach where they have been: I look at a subscription as helping to support them.
Same! Looking forward to more pieces from John.
I thought I saw a monthly option today. If so, that is new. It was doing the yearly commitment up front that hit my budget so hard. Always had to wait for a slow month and not many of them these days with prices of everything going up.
Check if you can read it online through your public library!
Yes 🙌 I would like to receive Your Newsletter.
Me, too! My email address is oceangal39@yahoo.com
The Atlantic online is not expensive.
Arlen Blechman replying to Susan Wilson
It’s not that expensive. And the Atlantic needs your support.
Count me in
Great news on a bad news day!
Dear John,
I wanted to reach out after watching Tony Dokoupil’s debut on CBS Evening News. From my perspective, the contrast with your tenure could not have been starker. What I witnessed was advocacy masquerading as journalism—editorial choices that served a particular political narrative rather than the public interest.
Your time co-anchoring the Evening News exemplified something increasingly rare: integrity, honesty, and the courage to tell it “the way it is” in the tradition of Walter Cronkite. You understood that a journalist’s duty is to question power, not accommodate it—to serve truth, not agendas.
Those days appear to be gone now for CBS, and that’s a genuine loss for American democracy.
I wanted you to know that your principled journalism was noticed, valued, and deeply appreciated. In an era when newsrooms are abandoning their responsibility to the common good, your work stands as a reminder of what broadcast journalism can and should be.
With gratitude and respect,
Monsignor Arthur A. Holquin
Rector Emeritus
Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
I'm a bit confused. I thought Tony Dokoupil's debut would be tonight on the Evening News? I will watch tonight with an open mind, AND with an effort to recognize shifts in perspective. I realize that I find it harder to recognize bias when things are aligned with my way of thinking. I miss John Dickerson's thoughtful comments and will make a point of following him anywhere that he shares!:
It was supposed to be tonight but Tony ended up anchoring earlier than expected because of the Venezuela news. He interviewed Hegseth.
You are loved John Dickerson! Do whatever brings you joy. You deserve it.
John: It was very sad to see you and Maurice sign off. You guys and your team provided the best version of the CBS Evening News in many years, speaking as a CBS News viewer for decades. Your historical perspective is important, and I look forward to your work for The Atlantic. I'm game for whatever you've got! Thanks and cordial best wishes.
Thank you for being a man of integrity.
Well this makes me extra glad that I asked for an Atlantic subscription for Christmas! What a great bonus gift!!
I’m glad you landed at the trusted news source in The Atlantic! I’m sorry for you and others who have been at CBS doing excellent journalism until the right wing showed up and will drive it into the ground. Can’t wait to hear and read the truths you will tell.
Happy to read this update. After today’s developments your voice is needed now more than ever!
100%
You’re a good egg, John Dickerson.
…and please carve out some time to hit Charlottesville in June for our 35th (!!) reunion 🧡💙 Wahoowa! 🙌
You are a great writer and deserve to be at the Atlantic.
I’m glad to have found your Substack. CBS never will be the same without you. Thank you for all your insights and for always bringing the importance of decency, honorability and truth.
I've been a fan and follower since I first saw your reporting, when your mother was still on air or had recently "retired" (memory fails). I was a big fan of hers too and know that she would have preceding you as an anchor if the glass ceiling had been broken earlier.
8I was WAS UNTIL NOW a life long CBS News junkie. But I'm done. No exaggeration, I'm bumbfounded that CBS would replace there bery best writer and reporter with a pretty faced script reader.
Regarding your work for The Atlantic, I hope to see you soon as a permant analyst on PBS Washington Week. I also hope your contract allows Work on PBS and BBC, the last bastions of unbiased in depth news reporting.
I worry about PBS continuing to exist as we know. Please help them survive if you can.
Wonderful!
Thanks for your integrity, John.