Steven Baker joins CBS News as consultant to help improve 'CBS Mornings' and 'CBS Evening News'

CBS News has brought on Steven Baker, former executive producer of ABC News’ Nightline, as a consultant and advisor as the network works to improve the performance of its flagship morning and evening news programs.

CBS brings in Nightline producer Steven Baker to improve performance of morning and evening newscasts

Baker joined CBS News earlier this week and will work directly with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, according to Variety. His job will be to work with the management of CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News to bring new ideas and new energy to both broadcasts.

Cibrowski told staff that Baker will work with program leaders Jon Tower and Kim Harvey, who oversee CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News, respectively.

He described Baker as someone who could bring fresh ideas to programming at a time when CBS is looking for ways to strengthen its position in the competitive US morning and evening news markets.

Baker brings a wealth of experience from ABC News. He became executive producer of Nightline in 2017 and has built a reputation for experimenting with the program’s format and reach.

During his tenure there, Nightline’s programming was pushed beyond the traditional late-night slot, including a one-hour special for Freeform aimed at younger viewers.

In 2020, Baker also oversaw the month-long Turning Point takeover of the Nightline timeslot, focusing on race relations in the United States. His approach was built on the idea that a brand of television news could reach audiences outside of regular broadcasting.

Why did Baker join CBS?

His appointment comes as CBS News faces a clear ratings challenge.

According to Nielsen data cited by Variety, CBS Mornings averaged about 1.6 million viewers during the third quarter of 2026, including about 256,000 viewers aged 25 to 54. The program continues to follow its competitors at ABC and NBC.

The CBS Evening News saw a slight year-over-year increase in ratings, but its overall ratings remain below the levels seen before Norah O’Donnell left the anchor desk in early 2025. It, too, remains behind the evening’s leading broadcasts.

Baker’s arrival also adds another former ABC News executive to the CBS operation. Cibrowski previously held senior positions at ABC News, while Matt Gutman and Wendy Fisher are among other former ABC personalities joining CBS News in 2026.

Prior to joining CBS, Baker worked with former ABC News president James Goldstone in the nonfiction division of Candle Media. His new role at CBS puts him squarely in the middle of the network’s effort to revamp two of its most visible daytime news programs.