Overview
- On the Jan. 27 broadcast, Tony Dokoupil closed with a segment on research suggesting cognitive benefits for grandparents who care for grandchildren by video-calling his mother, Gail.
- Viewers and media commentators mocked the choice as trivial or ethically questionable, citing concerns about interviewing a family member on a national newscast.
- The reaction contrasted with Bari Weiss’s staff message a day earlier emphasizing a renewed focus on investigative scoops and substantive reporting.
- Dokoupil posted the clip on X with the caption, “Called a big source for this one,” which further fueled online criticism.
- Some commenters defended the human‑interest moment, but the episode fed broader scrutiny of CBS Evening News’ relaunch and credibility, and the network has not issued a substantive response.