CBS News Radio, a long-standing American radio service that has been on air since 1927 and served as a precursor to the CBS News network, will cease operations on Friday evening after nearly a century. Its flagship program, the “CBS World News Roundup,” first aired in 1938 and provided listeners with live updates and eyewitness accounts from Europe during the Second World War, captivating audiences with the reporting of journalist Edward R. Murrow and other correspondents.
Dan Rather, a celebrated figure in CBS News history, reminisced about how radio served as a magical medium for his parents to stay informed, with him being particularly drawn to it during his childhood illness. Prior to his television career, Rather began in radio journalism, notably covering John F. Kennedy’s visit to Dallas in 1963 and later becoming a key figure in CBS’s coverage of JFK’s assassination.
Over the years, CBS News Radio established itself as a trusted source for breaking news and international coverage, with Allison Keyes, a host and correspondent, highlighting its role during significant events like the 9/11 attacks. The radio service’s hourly news updates and reports were broadcasted across approximately 700 affiliate stations nationwide.
However, as technology and news consumption habits evolve, there has been a shift away from radio news consumption towards online platforms like Facebook and Substack. This changing landscape, coupled with declining revenues and viewership, led to CBS’s decision to lay off staff and close CBS News Radio in March. The move was met with criticism from some, who believed the service could have been adapted for the podcast and streaming era.
The closure of CBS News Radio marks a loss for journalism and media diversity, with concerns raised about the dominance of opinion-driven content in the media landscape. The recent layoffs at other news organizations, including the Washington Post and The Associated Press, further highlight the challenges facing traditional news outlets in a rapidly changing industry.