CBS News announced it will shut down its long-running radio news service, bringing an end to nearly 100 years of broadcasts that helped shape how generations of Americans consumed news.
The network said the service will cease operations on May 22, citing economic pressures and a shift in audience habits toward digital platforms and podcasts. The decision marks the end of one of the most enduring institutions in broadcast journalism.
Launched in 1927, CBS News Radio predates the modern television network and played a foundational role in the company’s growth. In its early decades, radio served as the primary source of news for many Americans, delivering coverage of major historical events directly into homes across the country.
The service became known for its top-of-the-hour news updates and its reach, supplying content to roughly 700 radio stations nationwide. Over time, it built a reputation for reliability and broad national coverage, featuring some of the most recognizable voices in broadcast history.
Throughout the 20th century, CBS News Radio was central to coverage of pivotal moments, from World War II reporting to major political and cultural events. Legendary journalists helped define its legacy, contributing to a period when radio and television were viewed as equally important platforms for delivering news.
The decision to shutter the service comes amid broader changes at CBS News and its parent company, Paramount Global. The network has already scaled back portions of its radio programming in recent months to sustain operations, but those measures were insufficient to keep the service viable.
The shutdown is also part of a wider restructuring effort within CBS News, which has included workforce reductions affecting more than 60 employees, or about 6% of staff. It remains unclear how many of those cuts are directly tied to the radio division.
Industry observers point to long-term shifts in media consumption as a key factor in the decision. While radio once dominated the news landscape, its influence has declined steadily with the rise of television and, more recently, digital and mobile platforms. Audio audiences have increasingly turned to on-demand formats such as podcasts, reducing reliance on traditional broadcast radio.
Source: NPR