CBS News Radio Signs Off After Nearly a Century of Broadcasting
After nearly 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 audio journalism. The decision, announced Friday, March 21, 2026, is attributed to shifting radio programming strategies and challenging economic conditions .
A Legacy of News: From Paley to Murrow
CBS News Radio began broadcasting in September 1927, serving as the foundation for the entire CBS network and providing a launchpad for William S. Paley’s broadcasting empire . Throughout its history, the service has been synonymous with landmark journalism. Famed broadcaster Edward R. Murrow gained prominence reporting from London during World War II as part of CBS News Radio . His reports from the front lines captivated American audiences, and he later became a prominent figure on CBS News television broadcasts.
Impact on Affiliate Stations
The shutdown impacts approximately 700 affiliated stations across the United States . These stations now face the task of finding alternative national programming to fill the void left by CBS News Radio. Stations like KNX in Los Angeles, which has carried CBS programming since 1936, have assured listeners that their local news coverage will continue despite the change . KNX, now owned by Audacy, previously operated under CBS ownership until 2017.
Audacy’s Response and Potential Replacements
Audacy, which operates several all-news stations including KNX, WBBM in Chicago, KCBS in San Francisco, and WWJ in Detroit, accounts for roughly one-third of CBS News Radio’s U.S. Coverage . Chris Oliviero, chief business officer for Audacy, stated the company will seek a replacement to maintain national and international news coverage .
Potential replacements include ABC News Audio, the largest network radio news service with 1,500 affiliates, and Fox News Media, which offers a radio service with hourly newscasts and dedicated reporters .
A Changing Media Landscape
The closure of CBS News Radio reflects the broader shift in media consumption, with audiences increasingly turning to online sources and podcasts for audio news . The service’s signature broadcast, “World News Roundup,” was the longest-running newscast in the country, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the changing times. The end of CBS News Radio marks another chapter in the evolution of news delivery in the United States.