That’s it – good night and good luck.
CBS News Radio, the historic station known for iconic figures like Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow, is preparing to shut down. This decision comes as Bari Weiss, the station’s head, restructures the beleaguered news network, which recently laid off around 6% of its workforce—a move that affected between 60 and 70 employees.
On Friday, Weiss and CBS News President Tom Chibroksi announced that CBS Radio would officially close on May 22, eliminating all positions within the unit. This strategic shift was influenced by both industry changes and financial pressures from CBS’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison.
“Changes in programming strategy and tough economic realities have made it unfeasible to continue operations,” they informed staff, recognizing that while this was “a necessary decision,” it was certainly not an easy one.
They did highlight the storied legacy of CBS News Radio, citing its operations that date back to 1927, encompassing Edward R. Murrow’s World War II reports and the enduring “World News Roundup.” They ensured that the affected staff would receive “the utmost care and respect” as the company transitions.
Harvey Nagler, who spent 18 years with CBS News, including a long tenure as vice president of radio, felt the closure was premature. “At some point, shutting down seems inevitable, but I don’t think this is the right moment,” he remarked, noting that CBS Radio still boasts 700 stations and 23 million weekly listeners.
“Corporate leadership seems unaware of the influence and reach of CBS News Radio,” he added, suggesting that the network is missing out on significant marketing opportunities involving programs and content from Paramount.
Industry insiders express strong discontent regarding the closure, stressing the crucial role of radio in journalism and its impact on public information. “This significantly reduces accessibility to information nationwide,” said Craig Swagler, former vice president of the CBS Radio Network. He pointed out that, before his departure three years ago, CBS News Radio attracted about 30 million listeners weekly.
Swagler referred to “World News Roundup,” which has been airing since 1938, as a pioneering achievement in modern broadcast journalism.
“Murrow’s reporting during critical historical moments shaped the framework for broadcast journalism as we know it,” he added.
Another media executive remarked that CBS Radio is currently breaking even—it’s not losing money, yet it isn’t profitable either. As a result, management often opts for cost-cutting before considering a closure, since revenue is still coming in.
“The radio industry is tough, so while the decision might make sense on paper, it deeply impacts CBS News and its traditions. Expecting the team to preserve something so valued seems unrealistic,” the executive noted.
Concerns have also emerged about potential legal ramifications due to the unionized status of CBS’s employees. The network could face scrutiny from the National Labor Relations Board over any labor disputes or selective dismissals.
However, since all positions in CBS Radio were terminated at once, the process was deemed “clean,” avoiding the targeting of specific individuals.
A CBS executive expressed anger at Paramount Skydance’s investment choices, particularly prioritizing ventures like the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Weiss’s website, Free Press, instead of supporting CBS Radio. “It’s disheartening. Paramount could invest significantly elsewhere,” the individual reflected, adding, “This truly marks a significant shift. It’s a sad day for CBS and journalism at large.”
