Unexpected Moment on CBS Mornings Sparks Online Debate About Slang and Live News
CBS found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy after a remark from CBS Mornings anchor Tony Dokoupil quickly spread across social media. During coverage of the Vatican’s papal conclave, Dokoupil used a term more often heard among Gen Z than on national news, leaving viewers split and generating heated conversation.The Remark That Turned Heads: What Was Said on CBS Mornings
On May 7, CBS Mornings covered the first day of the papal conclave. The process had just begun following the death of Pope Francis and brought 133 voting cardinals together in the Sistine Chapel. As the panel discussed the cardinals’ enforced isolation—no phones, devices, or outside communication allowed—Vatican contributor John Allen noted that while most imagine political debates happening inside, the reality is much quieter. According to Allen, much of the time is spent in prayer or reading.Allen ended his insight by confirming, “The one thing we know they’re not doing is checking Instagram because their devices have all been confiscated.” That’s when Dokoupil added, “I believe the kids call it raw-dogging it if you’re gonna go through a long period of time with no electronic device.”Understanding the Meaning: Why the Slang Struck a Nerve with CBS Viewers
The term ‘raw-dogging’ started as a slang expression for risky behavior and became widely recognized in internet culture, mostly with a much more explicit meaning. Recently, younger audiences have adapted it to describe doing something without preparation or protection—in this case, enduring the conclave without phones.Dokoupil’s comment led to laughter among his co-anchors. However, the reaction online was mixed. Some found the remark funny or on-trend. Others felt it was out of place and disrespectful given the serious religious setting. Replying to clips from the broadcast, some viewers wrote that it was “not the time or the place,” while others noted that it highlighted generational divides in understanding language.Social Media and Newsroom Risks: The Changing Face of Live Coverage on CBS
This moment on CBS Mornings shows how live television can stumble when trying to keep up with pop culture, especially when words have drastically different connotations. The incident also raises ongoing questions about language on major news networks and how to balance informality with sensitivity.It's not the first time a TV anchor’s attempt to inject levity or relevance led to unexpected backlash. With slang evolving quickly, it’s easy to see how a phrase might land differently for viewers of various ages or backgrounds. The risk is higher when the context is religious or political, which brings more scrutiny and heightened viewer expectations.CBS Responds Amid the Viral Storm: Will This Change How Anchors Use Pop Culture Terms?
As commentary continued to flow on Twitter and Instagram, many looked to CBS for an official response. As of this writing, there is no formal statement from the network or from Tony Dokoupil. The story has drawn in both Catholic viewers and younger fans of the show, each interpreting the segment through their own lens.Live morning shows like CBS Mornings often walk a fine line between staying relatable and respecting the traditional news audience. The “raw-dogging” comment is a reminder that what might be a popular phrase among certain groups can become a problem when broadcast to millions.The Papal Conclave Coverage Goes On: What Else Viewers Noticed During CBS’s Reporting
While the viral moment grabbed attention, the main event at the Vatican carried on unchanged. Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney on the first day, signaling no winner from the early balloting process. CBS and other networks continued to document the process, reminding audiences that technological isolation is a core part of the ritual.Panelists even joked that the cardinals, most of whom are older, might not find it difficult to go phone-free. The timeline allows for another vote in the morning and afternoon until consensus is reached and white smoke signals a new pope.What’s Next for CBS and Its Morning Panel After the Viral Segment?
For CBS, the wider conversation isn’t likely to end soon. The incident had all the features that make modern news coverage unpredictable—a mix of fast-moving slang, generational tension, and global religious events. The network faces a decision about how to navigate humor and relatability in a way that respects the variety of viewers tuning in, especially during worldwide events. Whether this means more careful vetting of on-air jokes or more awareness about word choices, it reflects broader shifts in broadcast journalism.CBS Mornings will move forward as the conclave continues and a new pope is selected. The viral remark may not define the network, but it has reminded everyone, from anchors to executives, how easily a throwaway comment can become a headline.
