NEW YORK – CBS News recently announced that it will be shutting down its iconic radio news service after nearly a century of operation. This decision comes as part of layoffs within the company and is attributed to changing programming strategies at radio stations and the current economic challenges.
CBS News Radio first went live in September 1927, marking the beginning of the network’s journey. It played a significant role in the broadcast industry, with renowned broadcaster Edward R. Murrow famously reporting from London during World War II. Over the years, CBS News Radio has provided news content to around 700 stations across the United States, known particularly for its timely top-of-the-hour news updates.
According to CBS, the service will officially conclude on May 22. In a memo to staff, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski expressed that while this decision was necessary, it was also a difficult one.
Historically, radio and newspapers were primary sources of news for Americans from the 1920s through the 1940s. Many remember listening to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Fireside Chats” during the Great Depression. However, as television became more prominent in the 1950s, radio’s influence began to wane. In today’s digital world, many people prefer podcasts and online content over traditional radio broadcasts.
Interestingly, the front page of CBS News’ website did not immediately feature news of this significant change. Weiss, who has a background as the founder of the Free Press website and recently became CBS News’ leader, previously highlighted the need for the network to evolve, invoking the legacy of Walter Cronkite as a reminder of traditional journalism.
Under her leadership, CBS News has been making strides to attract new contributors and create content that surprises and engages audiences. However, her lack of prior broadcast news experience has made her a polarizing figure, especially after reportedly delaying a critical story about former President Donald Trump’s deportation policy.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the closure of CBS News Radio marks the end of an era, emphasizing the need for traditional news outlets to adapt in an increasingly digital world.
___
David Bauder covers the intersection of media and entertainment for The Associated Press.
