In a startling moment that is sending shock waves through American news and reporting industries, CBS News announced the shutdown of its Radio News division. Seven hundred affiliate stations will cease operations.
The action is part of a broader action by CBS News, in which six percent of its overall staff is being set loose.
CBS Radio News started in 1927, so today’s advisory represents the end of a near-century era. The final broadcast date is set for May 22.
Explaining the decision, the company cited “a shift in radio station programming strategies, coupled with challenging economic realities, has made it impossible to continue the service.”
“Certain parts of this newsroom need to get smaller in order for us to make room for the things that we need to build to remain competitive in the future,” explained CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss.
We see unhappy reactions to the news from industry professionals, and quote a few (anonymously) below:
- “This is just so utterly shocking.” (John Stolnis, Communications Expert and Journalist)
- “RIP, CBS News Radio — the network where Murrow reported live from the rooftops of London during the blitz.” (Ethan Harp, WNBC TV)
- “A sad moment in American media.” (Richard G. Lipstein, Consultant)
- “Another terrible announcement for news.” (Joshua Byers, The Tribune-Democrat)
- “Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite are rolling over in their graves. I can only imagine what Dan Rather thinks.” (Danny Pryor, Turnpikes.com)