History of CBS News Radio in Timeline

CBS News Radio, a long-standing news network providing content to over 1,000 stations, announced its discontinuation of service to affiliate stations on May 22, 2026, following the elimination of its radio team. Owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation, it was the last of the three original U.S. radio networks still operating and owned by its original parent company, despite CBS selling its owned and operated radio stations in 2017. The NBC Radio Network, owned by iHeartMedia, continues through licensed use of the NBC name and audio.

November 28, 1925: Grand Ole Opry Broadcast on WSM

Since November 28, 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has been broadcast on WSM in Nashville, Tennessee.

1927: United Independent Broadcasters Founded

In 1927, United Independent Broadcasters, the predecessor to CBS Radio, was founded with 47 network affiliates.

1928: Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System Renamed

In 1928, Columbia Records invested in United Independent Broadcasters, which was renamed the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System. William S. Paley later bought a half-interest and became its president.

July 15, 1929: Music and the Spoken Word Debut

On July 15, 1929, "Music and the Spoken Word" featuring the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square began on CBS Radio.

1929: CBS Network's First Regular News Program

In 1929, CBS network introduced its first regular news program, a five-minute segment on the morning show "Something for Everyone".

December 1930: Paul W. White Hired as CBS News Editor

In December 1930, CBS chief William S. Paley hired journalist Paul W. White away from United Press to become CBS's news editor.

1932: CBS Breaks Lindbergh Kidnapping Story

In 1932, CBS disregarded an embargo and broke the story of the Lindbergh kidnapping, using live on-the-air reporting and scooped print outlets with news of the 1932 presidential election.

March 13, 1938: CBS World News Roundup Special Broadcast

On March 13, 1938, there was a special network broadcast featuring live reports from Europe on Germany's annexation of Austria, which was the start of the CBS World News Roundup.

1938: CBS Buys Columbia Records

In 1938, CBS bought its former parent company, Columbia Records.

2007: CBS Stops Managing Westwood One

After CBS stopped managing Westwood One in 2007, the sports broadcasts continued under the Westwood One banner, even though both identities were used in the late 1990s.

2009: CBS Launches Late Night and Morning Talk Programs

In 2009, CBS launched a late-night talk program hosted by Jon Grayson and a morning talk show hosted by Michael Smerconish on some of its owned-and-operated stations.

2010: Steve Kathan Anchors CBS World News Roundup

Since 2010, Steve Kathan has anchored the morning edition of the CBS World News Roundup.

2011: Mark Knoller Transitions to Twitter Reporting

Around 2011, Mark Knoller, CBS's long-time White House correspondent, stopped filing radio reports and transitioned to reporting mostly on Twitter.

2011: Michael Smerconish Discontinues Morning Show

In 2011, Michael Smerconish discontinued his morning show on CBS.

January 30, 2012: Overnight America Enters National Syndication

On January 30, 2012, Jon Grayson's show, "Overnight America", entered national syndication via Dial Global.

2012: CBS Sports Radio Launched

In Fall 2012, CBS launched a 24/7 sports radio network called CBS Sports Radio and was distributed through Cumulus Media Networks.

2013: Cumulus Media Networks Merged into Westwood One

In 2013, Cumulus Media Networks was merged into Westwood One, following Cumulus' acquisition of Westwood One.

2015: Late Show with David Letterman Top Ten List Broadcast Ends

Until David Letterman's retirement in 2015, the "Late Show with David Letterman Top Ten List" was broadcast by the network in a short-form feature format.

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February 2, 2017: CBS Shareholders Acquire Stake in Entercom

On February 2, 2017, CBS Corporation announced that its shareholders had acquired a majority stake in Entercom, whose corporate management would continue to oversee the company along with CBS's radio assets.

August 2, 2017: CBS Signs Contract with Skyview Networks

On August 2, 2017, CBS announced that it had signed a contract with Skyview Networks for the distribution of CBS News Radio.

November 9, 2017: Merger Approved

On November 9, 2017, the merger between CBS Corporation and Entercom was approved.

2017: CBS Sports Radio included in CBS Radio sale

CBS Sports Radio was included in the 2017 sale of CBS Radio to Entercom (now Audacy, Inc.).

2017: CBS Sold Radio Stations to Entercom

In 2017, CBS sold its owned and operated radio stations to Entercom, which is now known as Audacy, Inc.

January 1, 2018: Skyview Networks Distributes CBS News Radio

On January 1, 2018, Skyview Networks began distribution of CBS News Radio after CBS signed a contract with them.

2020: Mark Knoller Leaves CBS

In 2020, Mark Knoller left CBS.

March 2021: CBS News Radio Hires John Batchelor

In March 2021, CBS News Radio hired John Batchelor to host a nightly newsmagazine, "Eye on the World".

April 2024: CBS Sports Radio Renamed Infinity Sports Network

After a license to use the CBS name ended in April 2024, CBS Sports Radio was renamed Infinity Sports Network.

August 2024: WCBS Ends All-News Format

In August 2024, former flagship station WCBS in New York ended its all-news format and is now known as WHSQ.

2024: Shareholders Sold Stake in Audacy to Soros Fund Management

In 2024, the shareholders sold their controlling stake in Audacy to Soros Fund Management.

October 22, 2025: Infinity Networks Takes Over Distribution of CBS News Radio

On October 22, 2025, Audacy-owned Infinity Networks will take over distribution of CBS News Radio.

March 20, 2026: CBS News Radio Team Positions Eliminated

On March 20, 2026, CBS News announced that all positions within the CBS News Radio Team would be eliminated, and service to approximately 700 affiliate stations would end on May 22, 2026.

May 22, 2026: CBS News Radio Service Ends

CBS News Radio service to approximately 700 affiliate stations is set to end on May 22, 2026, following the elimination of all positions within the CBS News Radio Team.