After nearly a century of shaping history through the airwaves, CBS News Radio fell silent forever, delivering one final, unforgettable sign-off with Edward R. Murrow’s legendary words: “Good night, and good luck.”
In a somber and emotional farewell broadcast, anchor Christopher Cruise delivered the solemn announcement: “CBS News special report. After 99 years, CBS News Radio is going off the air tonight.” His voice carried the weight of the moment as he added, “For this final newscast, the news anchors you’ve trusted for years wanted to say goodbye.”
Cruise then introduced longtime voices Steve Nathan, Allison Keyes, and Deborah Rodriguez, who spoke with deep gratitude and visible emotion, thanking their colleagues and the generations of loyal listeners who had tuned in through wars, triumphs, and tragedies.
The broadcast reached its poignant climax with the haunting replay of Murrow’s iconic sign-off echoing one last time, before Cruise delivered the station’s final words: “CBS News special report. I’m Christopher Cruise.”
CBS News Radio, one of the pioneering forces in American broadcast journalism, operated for nearly 99 years before signing off for the final time on May 22, 2026. It helped invent modern radio news and set standards for on-the-spot reporting that influenced generations of journalists.
Founding and Early Years (1927–1930s)
CBS traces its roots to the United Independent Broadcasters, formed in early 1927. The network officially launched on September 18, 1927 (some sources cite September 27), with a live orchestra broadcast from flagship station WOR in Newark, New Jersey, and a small group of affiliates.Under William S. Paley, who acquired control in 1928–1929, CBS expanded rapidly into a national network. Early programming focused on music and entertainment, but news soon became central.
The first regular news segment appeared in 1929, and in 1930, Paley hired journalist Paul W. White as news editor.
The network made early headlines by breaking the Lindbergh baby kidnapping story in 1932 with live reporting, defying embargoes.
The Golden Age of Radio News (1930s–1940s)
CBS News Radio truly came into its own in the late 1930s. On March 13, 1938, it broadcast the first World News Roundup — often cited as the birth of modern broadcast journalism — covering the Anschluss (Germany’s annexation of Austria). Edward R. Murrow delivered his first report that day, and the program became America’s longest-running network newscast.
Murrow and his “Murrow Boys” (including William L. Shirer, Eric Sevareid, and others) delivered iconic reports from Europe during World War II, most famously Murrow’s rooftop broadcasts from London during the Blitz: “This is London.” These reports brought the war vividly into American homes.
Key milestones:
Coverage of the 1938 World Series and a 1939 interview with Babe Ruth.
Live reports on Pearl Harbor (1941), D-Day (1944), and other major events.
Post-War Era and Television Competition (1950s–1970s)
As television rose in the 1950s, radio shifted focus to news and information. CBS maintained strong radio operations with anchors like Douglas Edwards, Robert Trout, and later Charles Osgood and Dan Rather.
In the 1960s–1970s, CBS converted many owned AM stations to all-news formats (e.g., KNX in Los Angeles in 1967). The network continued providing hourly newscasts, features, and the World News Roundup to hundreds of affiliates.
Later Decades and Challenges (1980s–2020s)
CBS Radio remained influential through major events:
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Civil Rights Movement
Vietnam War
Gulf War
9/11 attacks
Space Shuttle disasters
At its peak, it reached approximately 700 affiliate stations across the U.S.
In 2017, CBS sold its owned-and-operated radio stations to Entercom (later Audacy), but retained CBS News Radio as a content provider under CBS News.
The Final Sign-Off (2026)
On March 20, 2026, CBS News announced it would shut down CBS News Radio effective May 22, 2026, citing shifting audience habits toward digital platforms and podcasts, along with challenging economic realities. The closure was part of a broader 6% staff reduction.
The final broadcast featured longtime anchors reflecting on the legacy, replaying Edward R. Murrow’s iconic sign-off — “Good night, and good luck” — before Christopher Cruise delivered the network’s last words.
The series finale of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” delivered the program’s highest-rated weeknight episode in its history, attracting 6.74 million viewers on Thursday night, according to early data released by CBS.
The finale significantly outperformed the show’s 2026 first-quarter average of 2.69 million viewers and edged out its series premiere on Sept. 8, 2015, which drew 6.55 million viewers.
For context, the show’s overall most-watched episode remains its post-Super Bowl broadcast on Feb. 7, 2016, which attracted 20.55 million viewers.
Thursday’s episode tripled his usual audience this season, when Mr. Colbert averaged 2.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen. (When delayed viewing is factored in, Mr. Colbert’s audience is roughly 2.7 million viewers.)
The audience on Thursday even eclipsed the 6.2 million viewers who tuned in for Jimmy Kimmel’s return from a suspension in September, one of the most anticipated late-night episodes in recent years.
But in a sign of how much television and late-night have changed over the years, The NY Times reports Thursday’s viewership was nowhere close to the audiences that Jay Leno and David Letterman amassed for their final episodes several years ago. Mr. Leno’s “Tonight Show” finale drew 14.6 million viewers in February 2014, and Mr. Letterman notched 13.7 million in May 2015 for his swan song for “The Late Show.”
CBS canceled “The Late Show” after 33 years, citing financial reasons. However, the timing—coinciding with the network owners’ efforts to build favor with the Trump administration—has prompted questions from fans and observers about the decision.In the emotional final episode, surprise guest Paul McCartney symbolically turned out the lights in the Ed Sullivan Theater, the venue’s longtime home since 1993 and the site of the Beatles’ historic 1964 performance.
The show closed with McCartney and Colbert performing the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye,” joined by Elvis Costello, former bandleader Jon Batiste, current bandleader Louis Cato, and staffers dancing across the stage.
Fox News Media criticized a federal appeals court ruling that denies further review in the high-profile case involving investigative journalist Catherine Herridge, reinforcing a lower court order that requires her to disclose information about a confidential source.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit this week rejected Fox News and Herridge’s petition for rehearing or en banc review. This decision upholds the panel’s earlier September 2025 ruling, which affirmed a contempt order against Herridge for refusing to identify her source in a series of 2017 stories.
In a statement, Fox News Media expressed strong opposition to the court’s action, warning that compelling journalists to reveal sources undermines core press freedoms.
Fox News Media Statement:
“The court’s decision denying rehearing in Catherine Herridge’s case is a troubling setback for press freedom and the First Amendment. Forcing journalists to reveal confidential sources undermines the role of a free press and creates a chilling effect on journalism across the country.”
The case stems from a Privacy Act lawsuit filed by Yanping Chen, a Chinese-American scientist. Chen sued after Herridge’s reporting for Fox News cited leaked FBI documents that questioned aspects of her background, including possible ties to China’s military and issues with her immigration forms. No charges were ever filed against Chen following the FBI’s investigation.
Herridge has maintained that revealing her source would violate fundamental journalistic protections. She and Fox News have argued that a reporter’s privilege under the First Amendment should shield confidential sources, particularly in national security and government accountability stories.
The D.C. Circuit panel previously found that any qualified privilege was overcome in this instance because the information was central to Chen’s claims and unavailable through other means. The denial of further review solidifies that position, leaving Herridge facing ongoing contempt sanctions, including potential daily fines.
Herridge, a veteran journalist who departed Fox News in 2024 and also worked CBS News.
Background: The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between press freedoms and individual privacy rights in leak-related litigation. First Amendment advocates have criticized the rulings as a setback for investigative journalism, arguing they could deter whistleblowers from coming forward on matters of public importance. The case continues to draw attention from media organizations and press freedom groups monitoring subpoena battles involving reporters.
Natalie Jansen, a morning radio host at 101.1 WIXX, has obtained a temporary restraining order against former colleague Richard “Otis” Day, citing alleged online harassment involving a fake social media account that posted personal information and photos of her child.
Otis Day, a veteran radio personality known for nearly three decades on the air in Green Bay, is no longer with rival station 95.9 KISS-FM following the filing.
A court hearing on the matter Friday lasted about three hours with Day testifying, and is scheduled to continue on July 17.
Details of the AllegationsCourt documents indicate Jansen filed temporary restraining orders on March 23, 2026, against Day (legal name Richard Dey) and another woman, Emily Chagnon of Marion. The filings stem from an alleged fake social media account that harassed Jansen, invaded her privacy by sharing family photos and personal details, and involved coordination between the respondents.
Jansen, co-host of the “Huggie, Natalie & Corey” morning show on WIXX, previously worked alongside Day for years at the same station. Day had spent 24 years at WIXX before departing in 2022 and joining KISS-FM in late 2023.
Otis Day
95.9 KISS-FM announced Day’s departure in early April 2026 without providing a specific reason at the time, stating that Eddie would join hosts Katie Schurk and Nick Vitrano while the station searches for a new morning show member. WIXX has not publicly commented on the details of the dispute.
Day declined interview requests from local media outlets regarding the restraining order.
The situation highlights ongoing rivalries in the Green Bay radio market. In 2024, several WIXX hosts, including Schurk and Vitrano, moved to KISS-FM, creating direct competition between former colleagues on morning drive-time shows. Day’s departure from WIXX in 2022 and subsequent move added to the local radio shakeup.
A permanent injunction decision remains pending as the case proceeds through Brown County Circuit Court.
Casey Daniels, a longtime radio personality and host of the midday show on 93.1 WIBC-FM in Indianapolis, announced her departure from the station. Her final show was Friday.
Daniels made the announcement during Thursday’s broadcast, stating the decision was entirely her own. She is leaving to relocate to Virginia with her husband, Jim Kehoe, who previously served as communications director for Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.
“I’m proud and thankful to have been part of such an iconic, legendary station,” Daniels said. “After a defining chapter, I have made the decision to begin a new journey outside of WIBC.”
Daniels joined WIBC in March 2022 as co-host of the “Kendall & Casey” show alongside Rob Kendall. After Kendall’s departure in February 2026, she continued hosting the 9 a.m. to noon slot, often with her husband as a fill-in. Her four-year run at the Radio One News/Talk station included local talk, news, and community engagement.
Before WIBC, Daniels built a 25+ year career in broadcasting. Her previous roles included:
Co-hosting mornings at 98.7 WFGR in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Operations manager positions in Tallahassee, Florida
Programming director and station manager roles in South Bend, Indiana
On-air work in Indianapolis, Detroit, and Lansing
Six years as a host and producer at WSBT-TV in South Bend.
WIBC has not yet announced a permanent replacement for the midday slot.
FOX News Channel (FNC) will present special programming live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana this weekend for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
On Saturday, May 23rd, FOX & Friends Weekend (weekends, 6-10 AM/ET) will present live coverage of the pre-race events. Throughout the morning, co-hosts Charlie Hurt, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Griff Jenkins will also sit down with defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou, IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward and IndyCar President Doug Boles. Additionally, the hosts will speak with the winning drivers from the Wienie 500 – a race between the six Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles. The program will feature a “Taste of Indianapolis” panel which will spotlight local business owners.
From 12-2 PM/ET, FOX News Live anchor Aishah Hasnie, an Indiana native, will talk to IndyCar driver Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing Co-Owner Ed Carpenter, Ganassi Racing CEO Chip Ganassi as well as IndyCar President Doug Boles and Indiana Governor Mike Braun.
On race day, Sunday, May 24th, FOX & Friends Weekend will again broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with guests including four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, racing legend Jimmie Johnson, NASA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Wyoming Senator John Barrasso.
FOX Nation will present an all-new special from legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy titled The Joke’s On Me, set to premiere on Monday, June 1st, announced FOX Nation President Lauren Petterson. Filmed at the Gas South Theatre in Duluth, Georgia, the special offers a heartfelt and hilarious look at Foxworthy’s life, career, and signature comedic style.
In commenting on the special, Petterson said, “Few performers have shaped American comedy quite like Jeff Foxworthy. This special captures the humor audiences have loved for decades while also reflecting on the moments, memories, and experiences that defined his extraordinary career.”
Foxworthy added, “Comedy has always been about finding the funny in everyday life, but people don’t always get to see the work and process behind it. I’m grateful to FOX Nation for understanding the vision I had for this special and giving me the chance to share that journey with the audience.”
Richard "Dick" Frank Lawyer, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia. He was 80.
The AP's Dick Lawyer
A respected journalist and broadcaster, Lawyer dedicated more than four decades to The Associated Press, where he served as Pennsylvania Broadcast Editor from 1972 until his retirement in 2014.
Known for his professionalism and deep commitment to accurate news reporting, he played a key role in shaping broadcast journalism across the state during a distinguished career.
Born in Johnson City, New York, and raised in Binghamton, Lawyer was the son of the late Marie (Espy) and Ronald Lawyer. He graduated from Chenango Valley High School before earning his degree from Houghton College (now Houghton University) in Houghton, New York. He later attended Eastern Baptist Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) in Philadelphia from 1968 to 1970.
Lawyer began his professional career in religious broadcasting, serving as News Director for the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) from 1970 to 1972. He then joined The Associated Press, where he spent the remainder of his working life contributing to high-quality journalism and mentoring generations of broadcast professionals.
➦In 1910...bandleader and clarinetist Artie Shaw, whose real name is Arthur Arshawsky, was born in New York City.
Shaw formed his first orchestra in 1936, and two years later had a double-sided million-seller with ”Begin the Beguine” and ”Indian Love Call.” Shaw is estimated to have sold more than 43- million copies of such records as ”Frenesi,” ”Summit Ridge Drive” and ”Dancing in the Dark.” Artie Shaw was married eight times — two of his wives were Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Shaw later became an author and a theatrical producer, and again fronted a big band in 1980’s.
Shaw died December 30th, 2004 of natural causes, at age 94.
➦In 1922..the first debate to be heard on US radio was broadcast on WJH in Washington, DC. The two debaters argued about the topic of Daylight Saving Time with the audience acting as the judge.
➦In 1922...Seattle radio station KOL first signed on. The station is now known as KKOL 1330 AM, having surrendered the heritage 3-letter call sign in 1975 when it briefly became KMPS. Today, the station airs ethnic programming.
Wilbur Nelson
➦In 1926...Christian broadcaster, Wilbur Nelson, was born. Best known as host of "The Morning Chapel Hour". He was pioneer religious broadcaster, who founded the nationally syndicated daily radio ministry, The Morning Chapel Hour, in March of 1944. Nelson died August 23, 2003 at age 92.
➦In 1928..1940-50’s pop singer Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky. While still in high school, she and her younger sister Betty began performing on Cincinnati radio station WLW. Bandleader Tony Pastor heard them, and soon the sisters were singing, in person and on record, with the Pastor orchestra. After Betty tired of the road, Rosemary began a solo career. She signed with Columbia Records, and in 1951 had her first number-one hit, “Come On-A My House.” Her other hits included “Hey There,” “Tenderly” and “This Ole House.”
She died of lung cancer at the age of 74 on June 29th, 2002.
➦In 2005...Baltimore newsman Bob Lopez died from Lung Cancer. He had been part of the WIYY-FM (98 Rock) morning show for 27 years.
Bob Lopez
He was known for his humor, thoughtful opinions, and dogged liberal views.
For the last part of his career, he was part of the "Kirk, Mark & Lopez" or "KML" morning show, along with Kirk McEwen and Mark Ondayko, with whom he worked for seven years. He also hosted the Sunday Lopez, a Sunday morning talk show where he discussed politics and listeners called in to express their views.
Lopez was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2004, having been a smoker for several decades, starting at age 12. He died at the age of 52.
➦In 2012...Harold Baron Jackson died at age 96 (Born - November 3, 1915). He was a personality and radio executive who broke a number of color barriers in American broadcasting.
iHeartMedia Minneapolis’ 101.3 KDWB announced today the launch of its new morning show, “Falen & Colt,” replacing longtime host Dave Ryan following his retirement.
Falen and Colt will host weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. Falen returns to the morning slot where she previously served as Dave Ryan’s co-host from 2012 to 2023 before moving to afternoons to host her own show. Dave Ryan’s longtime producer and co-host Jenny will stay with the morning program, while current afternoon personality Vont shifts to afternoons.
The move marks a significant milestone for Falen, who becomes the first woman to lead mornings at the iconic station.
“To lead mornings on such an iconic station and become the first woman to hold this role is incredibly special,” Falen said. “From the moment I moved to the Twin Cities, I felt embraced by the listeners here, and I’m so grateful to Rich and the team for believing in me. I also have so much respect for what Dave built over the years and the connection he created with listeners. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather do this with than Colt and Jenny, and we’re excited to create a show listeners genuinely look forward to every morning.”
Rich Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Minneapolis, expressed confidence in the new lineup.
“We knew replacing a legend like Dave Ryan wasn't going to be easy. Luckily for us, we have the perfect person right here in our building,” Davis said. “Falen solidified herself as a true talent during her over 10 years working with Dave. She endeared herself to the Twin Cities and our KDWB audience by being unapologetically herself. Falen and Colt have built quite a show in afternoon drive, and I know our listeners will welcome her back to their morning routine!”
The transition aims to maintain KDWB’s strong connection with its audience while introducing a fresh dynamic to the station’s flagship morning program.
Bob Bronson, a longtime Boston radio personality, has left WROR as part of Beasley Media Group’s cost-cutting early-retirement program.
Bronson, who has spent more than five decades in radio, joined WROR in 2019 alongside co-host Lauren Beckham Falcone after a decade hosting mornings at New York’s 106.7 Lite FM.
He built his early career in Boston at stations including WMEX, WVBF, and WSSH. Lauren Beckham Falcone and show producer Aaron Natti will continue hosting The ROR Morning Show.
Beasley Media Group Boston VP and Market Manager Mary Menna praised Bronson’s contributions:
“Bob Bronson has been a trusted voice in morning radio for generations of listeners,” Menna said. “His warmth, humor, professionalism, and genuine connection with audiences helped make WROR mornings special for so many people throughout Boston and New England. We are incredibly grateful for his many contributions and wish him nothing but happiness and success in this exciting next chapter.”
Bob Bronson
WROR Program Director Scott Morella added"
“Bob has been a memorable part of our listeners’ mornings over the past seven years, bringing charisma, creativity, and humor to the show every day,” Morello said. “We appreciate the connection he shared with our audience and wish him happiness in retirement. LBF and Aaron will continue building on the strong foundation that Bob helped create at WROR.”
In his own statement, Bronson reflected on his career:
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend my career doing something I truly love,” Bronson said. “From my early days in Maine and Boston to New York and back home again, radio has given me the opportunity to connect with amazing listeners and work with some incredibly talented people along the way. Returning to Boston and being part of the WROR family — especially working alongside LBF and Aaron every morning — has been incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful to the listeners, my teammates, and everyone at Beasley Media Group for all the memories and support throughout the years.”
The departure is the latest in a series of staff reductions at Beasley Media Group as the company seeks to lower costs. Falcone and Natti are expected to maintain the show’s established morning presence on WROR.
