CBS News to Shut Down Century-Old Radio Service as Bari Weiss Drives Strategic Overhaul
Layoffs and restructuring mark a decisive shift toward digital-first journalism under new leadership
CBS News has announced plans to shut down its long-running radio division, bringing an end to nearly a century of continuous broadcasting as part of a broader restructuring effort led by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
The decision includes the closure of CBS News Radio, a service founded in 1927 that has supplied news programming to hundreds of affiliated stations across the United States.
Executives confirmed that the service will cease operations in May, with all roles within the division set to be eliminated.
The move forms part of a wider reduction in staffing, with approximately six percent of the CBS News workforce affected.
Leadership has described the cuts as a difficult but necessary step to reallocate resources and position the organization for long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
In internal communications, senior executives emphasized that changing audience habits and the continued rise of digital platforms have made it increasingly challenging to maintain traditional broadcast models.
The shift reflects a broader transformation across the news industry, where demand for on-demand and online content continues to outpace legacy formats.
Bari Weiss, appointed to lead CBS News following a major ownership transition, has been driving a comprehensive effort to modernize the newsroom.
Her strategy focuses on strengthening editorial direction, expanding digital reach, and investing in formats that align with contemporary consumption patterns.
Despite the scale of the changes, leadership has acknowledged the historic significance of the radio service, which played a foundational role in shaping American broadcast journalism and delivered coverage of major global events for generations.
The restructuring is the latest in a series of adjustments since the network’s ownership change, as CBS News seeks to redefine its position in a competitive and fragmented media environment.
While the closure marks the end of an era, executives have framed it as part of a forward-looking effort to build a more resilient and adaptable news organization.
Employees affected by the changes are expected to receive support during the transition, as the company continues to implement its long-term transformation plan.