A Bittersweet Farewell: Maurice DuBois Departs WCBS-TV After 26 Years

Well, talk about a surprise! For anyone who regularly tunes into WCBS-TV's evening news here in New York, Monday night brought some truly unexpected, even bittersweet, news. After an incredible 26-year run, the much-loved anchor Maurice DuBois announced, right there on air, that he's packing up his anchor desk, so to speak, and moving on to a new chapter.

For over two decades, DuBois has been a consistent, reassuring presence in countless homes across the tri-state area. He's anchored major stories, navigated us through triumphs and tragedies, and, frankly, become a trusted face for many. You know, when someone's been part of your daily routine for so long, their departure really hits differently. It's like a familiar landmark suddenly shifting.

The announcement itself, delivered during Monday's 6 PM broadcast, was tinged with emotion, as one might expect. He described it as a "very difficult decision," which, coming from someone with his gravitas, tells you just how much thought went into it. While he didn't delve into specifics about his future plans, he made sure to express immense gratitude – to his colleagues, to the management, and, crucially, to the viewers who've welcomed him into their living rooms night after night.

His final broadcast is slated for this coming Friday, June 21st, which means viewers have just a few more evenings to share with him at the helm. He hinted at looking forward to the "next chapter," which for many people, often involves a well-deserved pause and, as he mentioned, spending precious time with family. It's a sentiment we can all relate to, isn't it? Prioritizing what truly matters.

Of course, DuBois isn't just a WCBS fixture; he's a true veteran of broadcast journalism. Before landing at WCBS in August of '97, he honed his craft at major outlets like WNBC, CNN, and WPIX. And for 17 of those 26 years at WCBS, he formed a truly iconic pairing with co-anchor Kristine Johnson. That kind of long-standing partnership builds a real chemistry on screen, something viewers absolutely pick up on and cherish.

His departure undoubtedly leaves a significant void at WCBS and, indeed, in the competitive New York news landscape. It's a reminder, too, of the ever-evolving nature of local news, where familiar faces eventually move on, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated reporting and connection with the community. We wish him all the very best, whatever exciting endeavors lie ahead.