CBS Mornings is set to abandon its high-profile Times Square studio, a move driven by a combination of cost-cutting measures and declining viewership.
The show, which relocated to the state-of-the-art facility at 1515 Broadway in September 2021, had invested heavily—reportedly tens of millions of dollars—in the space just four years ago. However, as part of a broader effort by CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon to slash $500 million from the network’s budget ahead of a potential merger with Skydance Media, the program will return to its former home at the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street by September 2025.
The decision reflects a stark reversal from the optimism surrounding the Times Square move, which was touted as a chance to enhance production quality and storytelling. Insiders have described the shift as a cost-saving necessity, with one source noting, “It’s all about saving money,” and suggesting it signals a retreat from competing aggressively in the morning show landscape.
Ratings woes have compounded the situation. Last week, CBS Mornings hit a viewership low since its 2021 relaunch, averaging just 1.87 million total viewers over seven days, a 6% drop year-over-year. This decline aligns with broader challenges at CBS News, including format changes—like the shift to a magazine-style Evening News with new anchors Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson replacing Norah O’Donnell—that have been poorly received. The morning show’s struggles contrast with its rivals, deepening the perception of a network in retreat as it grapples with financial pressures and a competitive market.
Morale and Perception: Insiders calling the move a “money-saving retreat” hint at deflated morale. Employees see a network stepping back from bold investments—like the $20-$30 million Times Square upgrade—into a defensive crouch. Publicly, it’s a signal of weakness, especially amid plummeting ratings (1.87 million viewers last week, down 6%). Advertisers and viewers may sense a lack of confidence, accelerating a downward spiral.
Strategic Realignment: Budget cuts force a rethink of goals. CBS News, under Wendy McMahon, is bracing for a Skydance merger, prioritizing financial stability over market dominance. Ditching a “prized” studio suggests morning TV isn’t the hill to die on—resources might shift to digital platforms or other properties with better ROI. But if cuts gut what makes a show distinctive, it risks losing relevance entirely.
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