“CBS Mornings” is reportedly on pace to achieve its lowest-rated June in history, with the program averaging approximately 1.7 million viewers and 275,000 adults aged 25 to 54 this month, according to Nielsen data obtained by The Status newsletter. This performance follows a record low-rated May and the lowest-rated first quarter on record for the program.
Concerns about the ratings have intensified amid broader scrutiny of CBS News' direction under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and the fallout from a controversial overhaul of the network's programming. The morning show's ratings are particularly significant as they drive a substantial portion of broadcast news advertising revenue.
Ratings Dip After Correspondent's Departure
Data suggests a potential immediate ratings impact following the firing of veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley. On June 3, the day of Pelley's dismissal, “CBS Mornings” averaged 1.8 million viewers and 313,000 adults in the key demographic. The following day, viewership dropped to 1.59 million total viewers and 225,000 in the 25-54 demographic, marking declines of 11% and 28%, respectively. While the audience later rebounded, the initial drop reportedly alarmed some network executives.
However, some CBS News insiders have pushed back against attributing the show's struggles solely to Weiss's influence. They argue that “CBS Mornings” has consistently trailed NBC's “Today” and ABC's “Good Morning America” for years and that the current audience levels are similar to those before Weiss assumed leadership of CBS News. These insiders also pointed to a recent guest-hosting stint by Elisabeth Hasselbeck as a positive indicator.
Search for Permanent Host Continues
According to CBS data, Hasselbeck's appearance on the June 16 broadcast saw a 10% increase in total viewers and an 8% rise in adults aged 25 to 54 compared to the prior week. The following day, viewership increased by 9% in total viewers and 15% in the key demographic. Among women aged 25 to 54, viewership rose by 19% on June 16 and 31% on June 17 compared to the previous week. Over the three days Hasselbeck guest-hosted, CBS reported an average increase of 5% in total viewers and 2% in the key demographic versus the week prior.
The network has been seeking a permanent third host for “CBS Mornings” since Tony Dokoupil moved to anchor the “CBS Evening News” earlier this year. Previous efforts to fill the role included exploring former “Good Morning America” anchor Josh Elliott, though those discussions did not result in an offer. Hasselbeck's guest-hosting engagement is viewed by some within the network as an informal audition as the search for a permanent replacement continues.
Weiss has faced increased pressure due to widespread changes implemented at CBS News, particularly at “60 Minutes.” The firings of executive producer Tanya Simon, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, along with Pelley, reportedly led to internal dissent within the newsmagazine's staff. CBS News has declined to comment on the matter.