WHY IT MATTERS
CBS News is shutting down its radio service after nearly a century of operation, marking a significant shift in how a major American media organization allocates resources in a changing broadcast landscape. The closure, effective May 22, will affect more than 700 affiliated radio stations across the country and eliminate over 60 jobs—roughly 6% of CBS News’s workforce. The decision reflects broader economic pressures facing traditional radio news operations and signals how legacy media companies are restructuring to compete in digital markets. The shutdown comes as David Ellison, who took control of CBS News parent company Paramount through a Skydance merger, continues reshaping the organization’s strategic direction.
WHAT HAPPENED
CBS News announced Friday that it will discontinue its radio service, a operation that has provided news content to affiliate stations for nearly 100 years. Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and President Tom Cibrowski made the announcement, stating that the service would end on May 22. The leadership team notified employees by end of business Friday about job losses stemming from the closure.
In a statement, Weiss and Cibrowski characterized the decision as necessary but difficult. “While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,” they said, citing “a shift in radio station programming strategies” and economic headwinds that “made it impossible to continue the service.” They added that “parts of our newsroom must get smaller to make room for the things we must build to remain competitive.”
The shutdown affects more than 700 affiliate stations that rely on CBS News radio content for their programming. These stations will need to find alternative news sources or adjust their broadcast strategy following the May deadline.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Nearly 100 years: The duration of CBS News radio service before the announced closure
- 700+ affiliate stations: Number of radio stations affected by the shutdown
- 60+ employees: Job losses resulting from the closure, representing approximately 6% of CBS News workforce
- May 22, 2025: Expected end date for the radio service
ZOOM OUT
The CBS News radio shutdown reflects a decade-long decline in radio news operations across the United States. Traditional radio services have struggled as advertisers redirect spending toward digital platforms and as listeners shift consumption habits toward streaming audio, podcasts, and social media news sources.
Other major news organizations have undergone similar reductions in broadcast operations. NPR, which operates one of the largest radio news networks, has also reduced its workforce and restructured operations in recent years. Meanwhile, radio news services from networks including ABC and NBC have faced comparable pressures, though most continue limited operations serving affiliate stations.
The decision aligns with a broader industry pattern where legacy media companies consolidate resources around digital-first strategies. Paramount’s recent ownership transition under Ellison’s Skydance has emphasized modernization of content platforms and competitive positioning against digital-native news outlets.
CBS News leadership emphasized that the shutdown reflects changing business models in radio rather than a wholesale retreat from news. The organization continues operating broadcast television news operations, including its flagship evening news program and streaming services.
WHAT’S NEXT
CBS News radio programming will conclude on May 22, 2025. Affected affiliate stations have less than five months to transition their news operations, either by establishing partnerships with alternative news services or restructuring their local news operations independently.
The closure represents one phase of CBS News’s restructuring under Weiss and Cibrowski’s leadership. The organization has signaled plans to invest in digital news products and competitive positioning in the broader media marketplace. Future announcements regarding resource allocation and strategic priorities are expected as the leadership team continues implementation of its modernization agenda.
Affiliate stations impacted by the shutdown will likely pursue options including partnerships with other national news networks, increased reliance on local reporting, or integration with sports and entertainment content providers. Some stations may transition entirely away from news programming in response to the loss of CBS News feeds.