After operating for almost a hundred years, CBS News will close its longstanding CBS News Radio on Friday evening. The American radio service, established in 1927, was a precursor to the entire CBS News network. The iconic CBS World News Roundup, the longest-running American network newscast, premiered in 1938, captivating listeners with live dispatches and eyewitness accounts from Europe by journalist Edward R. Murrow and fellow correspondents during the lead-up to and throughout World War II.
This reporting provided Americans a global perspective. Dan Rather, a renowned figure in CBS News, reminisced about how his parents saw radio as a magical means to connect with the events unfolding in Germany. He shared how, as a child with rheumatic fever, he found solace and companionship in the radio, particularly during challenging times.
Before transitioning to television, Rather kickstarted his career in radio, covering John F. Kennedy’s motorcade during the President’s visit to Dallas in 1963. He quickly became a prominent figure in CBS’s coverage of JFK’s assassination. Over the years, CBS News Radio played a vital role in unifying Americans and keeping the nation informed during critical moments.
The service garnered trust and respect by delivering breaking news and international reports. Allison Keyes, a host and correspondent at CBS News Radio, highlighted the service’s significance during events like the 9/11 attacks, where real-time, unfiltered news was crucial for the audience.
CBS News Radio’s hourly news round-ups were widely recognized, broadcasted through approximately 700 CBS affiliate stations across the United States. These updates ensured listeners received verified and authoritative information promptly, a sentiment echoed by Ted Johnson, a media and politics editor.
Despite its acclaimed legacy, CBS News Radio faced challenges due to changing audience preferences. Professor Richard John acknowledged the service’s stellar journalism but noted the shift towards online platforms like Facebook and Substack for news consumption.
In late 2025, CBS made programming cuts, discontinuing shows like Weekend Roundup and World News Roundup Late Edition. The decision to lay off staff and close CBS News Radio was attributed to the evolving media landscape, where sustaining traditional radio operations became increasingly difficult.
Critics lamented the closure, advocating for adaptation to emerging podcast and streaming platforms. The move marked a loss for journalism diversity and raised concerns about media control. The closure of CBS News Radio, alongside other recent industry changes, signified a broader trend of opinion voices overshadowing traditional news sources, prompting reflections on the future of media influence in America.