CBS News Radio Signs Off After Nearly a Century of Broadcasting
After almost a century of delivering news to the nation, CBS News Radio will cease operations on May 22, 2026, marking the end of an era in broadcast journalism. The decision, announced Friday, reflects the challenging economic realities facing traditional radio and a broader shift towards digital news consumption [1].
A Legacy of Pioneering Journalism
Launched in September 1927, CBS News Radio predates the entire CBS network, providing a foundation for the company’s growth in broadcasting [1]. Throughout its history, the service has been a vital source of information during pivotal moments, most notably during World War II with Edward R. Murrow’s iconic live reports from London [1], [4]. Murrow, a prominent figure in broadcast journalism, gained recognition for his wartime coverage and his later confrontations with Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare [2].
Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape
In recent years, CBS News Radio had attempted to adapt to the evolving media landscape, providing content to approximately 700 stations nationwide and focusing on its top-of-the-hour news roundups [1]. However, despite efforts to sustain the service, including cuts to programming like “Weekend Roundup” and “World News Roundup Late Edition” late last year [1], CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss acknowledged that a viable solution could not be found [1].
Impact and Future of CBS News
The shutdown of CBS News Radio will result in the elimination of all positions within the radio team, alongside broader layoffs affecting approximately 6% of CBS News’ workforce, totaling over 60 people [1], [4]. This decision comes as parent company Paramount Global is poised to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially leading to the absorption of CNN [1].
“Radio is woven into the fabric of CBS News and that’s always going to be part of our history,” said Bari Weiss [1]. Despite the closure, the legacy of CBS News Radio as a pioneering force in broadcast journalism will endure.