After 99 years as a cornerstone of American broadcast journalism, CBS News Radio will deliver its final newscasts today, marking the end of an era that began in 1927. The service, which once reached millions through top-of-the-hour updates, in-depth reporting, and iconic programs like the CBS World News Roundup, will cease operations as part of broader cost-cutting at CBS News amid shifts toward digital media, podcasts, and social platforms.
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and President Tom Cibrowski announced the shutdown in March 2026, notifying staff and approximately 700 affiliated stations. The decision eliminated all radio team positions and was attributed to "challenging economic realities" and evolving listener habits. A special retrospective program highlighting the network’s history is expected as part of the wind-down.
The last regular broadcasts are scheduled for Friday, May 22, with the final newscast reportedly around 10:30 p.m. Central / 11:30 p.m. Eastern. Anchors and correspondents have reflected on the legacy in recent weeks, invoking Edward R. Murrow’s famous sign-off: “Good night, and good luck.” CBS has aired tributes featuring voices from Murrow’s era through modern anchors like Steve Kathan of the World News Roundup.
The shutdown follows a legacy that helped pioneer broadcast journalism, including live multi-city reporting on the 1938 Anschluss and Murrow’s wartime dispatches.
Impact on Affiliates and New Affiliations
Hundreds of stations that relied on CBS for national newscasts, features, and breaking coverage must now transition. Many all-news and news/talk outlets have reassured listeners that local programming will continue uninterrupted, while seeking replacements for network feeds.
New services are stepping in immediately:
- Worldwide News Network (from Red Apple Media, owner of WABC in New York) launches on May 23, 2026, offering 24/7 newscasts. It has hired former CBS Radio staff, including Lee Harris as VP of News, aiming for fact-driven global coverage.
- Radio Network News (RNN) from Live Channel USA is another option debuting around the same time.
- ABC News Radio — Stations like WHBY (Appleton, WI), KROS (Clinton, IA), and others.
- FOX News Radio — Adopted by stations including WNAX (Yankton, SD), KDAL (Duluth, MN area), and several Wisconsin outlets.
- NBC News Radio — Selected by some, including certain Minnesota stations.
- Others are opting for independent local newscasts, Townhall, or USA Radio Network.
Stations such as WWJ (Detroit), WBBM (Chicago), and WTOP (Washington, D.C.) have emphasized continuity of their local operations while transitioning national feeds.
The end of CBS News Radio reflects broader industry consolidation and digital disruption, but its influence on journalism—from Murrow’s Boys to coverage of major 20th- and 21st-century events—remains indelible.