The CBS Television Center is seen in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 7, 2019. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
(New York, New York) – CBS News is laying off approximately 6 percent of its workforce and shutting down its long-running radio division, marking a significant shift for the legacy news organization as it adapts to a rapidly changing media landscape.
In a memo to staff, editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing the impact on employees.
“We recognize that this is a difficult time for those who will be leaving CBS News,” the memo read. “These aren’t just names on a list — they are talented, committed colleagues who have been critical to our success.”
The cuts are expected to affect between 60 and 70 employees, according to reports.
As part of the restructuring, CBS News Radio will cease operations on May 22, ending a service that has been a cornerstone of American broadcasting since its founding in 1927 by William S. Paley.
The radio division has historically played a major role in journalism, including wartime reporting by Edward R. Murrow during World War II and coverage that helped challenge Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare era. More recently, it has provided news content to roughly 700 affiliate stations nationwide.
Executives said the decision to shut down the division “was a necessary decision, [but] it was not an easy one,” citing broader changes in how audiences consume news and ongoing economic pressures within the industry.
The move comes as CBS News continues to undergo changes under its parent company, Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison. The company has been implementing cost-cutting measures while shifting focus toward digital and streaming platforms.
The changes have not gone without criticism. Some prominent media figures, including former “Late Show” host David Letterman, have publicly criticized the network’s direction, while reports indicate that some high-profile journalists have departed amid the transition.
The shutdown of CBS News Radio marks the end of an era for one of the most influential platforms in broadcast journalism. For CBS News, the restructuring signals a broader effort to remain competitive — even as it parts with a defining piece of its history.
