On This Day

Walter Cronkite signs off as anchor of "CBS Evening News"

The CBS Evening News (titled as CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil since January 3, 2026) is the flagship evening television news program of CBS News, the news division of the CBS television network...

The CBS Evening News (titled as CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil since January 3, 2026) is the flagship evening television news program of CBS News, the news division of the CBS television network in the United States. The CBS Evening News is a daily evening broadcast featuring news reports, feature stories and interviews by CBS News correspondents and reporters covering events around the world. Since 2025, the program has had more of a news magazine-styled format, with a larger focus on long-form stories. The program has been broadcast since July 1, 1941, under the original title CBS Television News, eventually adopting its existing title in 1963.

Since January 3, 2026, the flagship nightly broadcast has been anchored by Tony Dokoupil from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.

Historical Significance

The CBS Evening News (titled as CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil since January 3, 2026) is the flagship evening television news program of CBS News, the news division of the CBS television network in the United States.

Key People

Walter Cronkite

broadcast journalist

American broadcast journalist

Events Before

  1. Chrysler Europe is renamed Talbot

    Chrysler Europe was the American automotive company Chrysler's operations in Europe from 1967 through 1978.

  2. Real Records releases "Pretenders" in the UK, the debut album by The Pretenders

    Pretenders is the debut studio album by British-American band the Pretenders, released in January 1980. A combination of rock and roll, punk and new wave music, it was an immediate success.

  3. Pink Floyd's double album "The Wall" hits #1

    The Wall is the eleventh studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 30 November 1979 by Harvest CBS Records. It is the last album to include all four post-Barrett-era band members.

  4. US President Jimmy Carter announces a US boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow after the Soviet invasion of Afgh

    US President Jimmy Carter announces a US boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

  5. Cypriot-American model Angie Bowie (30) divorces British singer David Bowie (33) after just under 10 years of marriage

    Cypriot-American model Angie Bowie (30) divorces British singer David Bowie (33) after just under 10 years of marriage

Events After

  1. The "Epic in Miami," played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the

    The "Epic in Miami," played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoff, setting numerous playoff scoring records

  2. Paul Belmondo dies

    Paul Belmondo dies

  3. "Thirtysomething" stars Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig meet; they later marry

    "Thirtysomething" stars Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig meet; they later marry

  4. American singer Barbra Streisand and hairdresser/film producer Jon Peters' romantic relationship ends

    Barbara Joan "Barbra" Streisand is an American singer, actress, songwriter, producer, and director.

  5. NFC Championship, Candlestick Park, SF: San Francisco 49ers defeat Dallas Cowboys 28-27; "The Catch," an iconic moment i

    NFC Championship, Candlestick Park, SF: San Francisco 49ers defeat Dallas Cowboys 28-27; "The Catch," an iconic moment in NFL history, Dwight Clark makes a fingertip touchdown catch from Joe Montana with 58 seconds remaining; SF goes on to win the Super Bowl

More from the 1980s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 6, 1981?
The CBS Evening News (titled as CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil since January 3, 2026) is the flagship evening television news program of CBS News, the news division of the CBS television network in the United States. The CBS Evening News is a daily evening broadcast featuring news reports, feature stories and interviews by CBS News correspondents and reporters covering events around the world. Since 2025, the program has had more of a news magazine-styled format, with a larger focus on long-form stories.
Why is Walter Cronkite signs off as anchor of "CBS Evening News" significant?
The CBS Evening News (titled as CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil since January 3, 2026) is the flagship evening television news program of CBS News, the news division of the CBS television network in the United States.
Who was involved in Walter Cronkite signs off as anchor of "CBS Evening News"?
Key figures include Walter Cronkite (broadcast journalist).

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