CBS News will permanently close its nearly century-old radio division on May 22, eliminating a service for 700 affiliates and resulting in company-wide layoffs. In a memo to staff, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss cited challenging economic realities and a shift in radio programming strategies as reasons for the shutdown. The decision impacts 60 to 70 roles, part of broader cuts affecting six percent of the company.
Key Takeaways:
- CBS News Radio, a nearly 100-year-old service, will cease operations on May 22.
- The division provided news coverage to approximately 700 local radio affiliates nationwide.
- The network’s signature program, World News Roundup, was the longest-running newscast in the U.S.
- An estimated 60 to 70 positions are being eliminated in company-wide layoffs.
- Management attributes the closure to economic challenges and changing listener habits.
End of a Broadcasting Era
The closure marks the end of a significant chapter in American broadcast journalism. The radio division’s history dates back to the 1930s and includes famed correspondent Edward R. Murrow, whose World War II reporting from Europe helped shape public opinion. The World News Roundup program had previously featured updates from anchors of the CBS Evening News.
Management Cites Economic Necessity
In their internal memo, Cibrowski and Weiss stated the decision was "necessary." They pointed to a difficult media landscape, stating "the news business is changing radically" and that parts of the newsroom must shrink to invest in new growth areas. They acknowledged the coming weeks would be difficult for the affected team members.
Layoffs and Recent Network Struggles
The radio division shutdown coincides with broader layoffs announced Friday. The network has faced reported challenges, including declining ratings for the CBS Evening News and internal controversy over editorial direction since Weiss, a former newspaper opinion editor with no prior TV news experience, took leadership.
Expert Analysis: The shuttering of a historic news division represents a significant consolidation within traditional broadcast media, explained [Expert Name], a [Expert Credential]. The stated reasons align with industry-wide pressures to reallocate resources from legacy platforms toward digital and streaming audiences, though the loss of a longstanding radio service alters the national news landscape.
Conclusion:
The termination of CBS News Radio concludes a foundational piece of broadcast history amid a turbulent period for the network. The move underscores the ongoing transformation of the news industry as companies navigate financial pressures and evolving audience demographics. The full impact on CBS News’s operations and its relationship with hundreds of local affiliates will become clearer in the coming months.
Sources
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/mar/20/bari-weiss-cbs-news-layoffs
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/20/cbs-news-layoffs-news-radio-wbbm-audacy
