Media veterans outraged as Bari Weiss shuts 100-year old CBS News Radio: ‘It’s disgusting’
CBS News Radio Shuts Down Amid Network Restructuring
As the iconic home of journalists Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow, CBS News Radio is closing its doors under the leadership of network executive Bari Weiss. In a move to revamp the struggling news network, CBS Radio is eliminating 60 to 70 jobs, marking a 6% workforce reduction.
Weiss, alongside CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, announced the closure of CBS Radio on May 22, citing industry shifts and financial pressures from Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison as the driving forces behind the decision. Despite acknowledging the significance of CBS News Radio’s legacy since 1927, including Edward R. Murrow’s wartime reports and the longstanding “World News Roundup,” the executives expressed the necessity of the closure in light of changing programming strategies and economic challenges.
Former CBS News VP of radio, Harvey Nagler, deemed the shutdown premature, emphasizing the vast reach and impact of CBS Radio, which still boasted 700 radio stations and 23 million weekly listeners. Nagler criticized the missed marketing opportunities for promoting CBS shows, news stories, and Paramount-produced content.
Industry insiders lamented the loss of CBS News Radio, highlighting its role in providing essential information nationwide. Craig Swagler, a former CBS Radio Network executive, underscored the historical significance of programs like the “World News Roundup,” which pioneered modern broadcast journalism.
Despite financial considerations, concerns were raised about the implications of shutting down a longstanding institution like CBS Radio. The decision to close the unit drew criticism from media executives, who questioned Paramount Skydance’s investment priorities and the impact on journalism.
While the closure of CBS Radio signals the end of an era, the industry grapples with the evolving landscape of broadcast media and the challenges faced by traditional news outlets in an increasingly digital world.
sentence: Please be sure to lock the door before you leave.
Remember to lock the door before you depart.
