History of CBS Reports in Timeline

CBS Reports was a documentary series broadcast by CBS News from 1959 to the 1990s. It served as an umbrella title for various documentaries, sometimes airing alongside 60 Minutes, as an independent series, or as special broadcasts. The series aired regularly from 1959 to 1971, providing in-depth coverage of diverse topics and events.

October 27, 1959: CBS Reports Premiere

On October 27, 1959, CBS Reports premiered, succeeding Edward R. Murrow's "See It Now" and employing some of its production staff.

1959: CBS Reports Series Debut

In 1959, CBS Reports debuted as an umbrella title for documentaries by CBS News. The series aired in various formats, including as a wheel series and as specials.

1960: CBS Reports Receives Peabody Award for "Harvest of Shame"

In 1960, CBS Reports was awarded a Peabody Award for the episode "Harvest of Shame," which examined the lives of migrant workers in the United States.

1960: CBS Reports Broadcast as Specials

Throughout 1960, after its premiere in 1959, CBS Reports was broadcast irregularly as a series of specials.

January 1961: CBS Reports Gets Regular Primetime Slot

In January 1961, CBS Reports was given a regular primetime slot on Thursdays at 10 p.m. (EST), facing competition from "The Untouchables" on ABC and "Sing Along With Mitch" on NBC. As a result, many CBS affiliates pre-empted the show for local programming.

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1961: "Biography of a Bookie Joint" Nominated for Emmy

In 1961, "Biography of a Bookie Joint," a CBS Reports episode, was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Program of the Year. The episode led to the resignation of Boston Police Commissioner Leo J. Sullivan.

1962: CBS Reports Moved to Wednesday Timeslot

In 1962, CBS moved CBS Reports to Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (EST) after "Sing Along With Mitch" and "The Untouchables" moved from their Thursday timeslot, citing the desire for more young viewers. The show then competed with "The Virginian" on NBC and "Wagon Train" on ABC.

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1965: CBS Reports Moved to Tuesday Timeslot

In 1965, CBS moved CBS Reports to Tuesday at 10 p.m., replacing it with "Lost In Space" on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. The show then competed with "The Fugitive" on ABC and NBC's "Tuesday Night at the Movies".

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1967: CBS Reports Aired "The Homosexuals"

In 1967, CBS Reports aired "The Homosexuals", marking the first time homosexuality was presented on a national network broadcast. While praised for debunking some negative stereotypes, it was also criticized for generalizations and promoting other stereotypes.

1971: End of CBS Reports as a Constant Series

In 1971, CBS Reports stopped airing as a constant series, marking a change in its broadcast schedule.

1979: CBS Reports Receives Peabody Award for Interview with Ted Kennedy

In 1979, CBS Reports received a Peabody Award for Roger Mudd's interview with Ted Kennedy.

1980: Criticism of "Gay Power, Gay Politics" and CBS Apology

In 1980, the CBS Reports episode "Gay Power, Gay Politics" was criticized for misrepresenting sexual issues and reinforcing stereotypes. CBS later apologized for manipulating the soundtrack of a speech by San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein.

1982: Westmoreland Sues CBS for Libel

In 1982, General William Westmoreland sued George Crile III, Mike Wallace, and CBS for libel after the network aired "The Uncounted Enemy," which claimed Westmoreland manipulated intelligence reports. Westmoreland later dropped the lawsuit, but CBS lost its libel insurance.

2009: CBS Reports Banner Brought Back

In 2009, the CBS Reports banner was revived with "CBS Reports: Children of the Recession", led by Katie Couric, consisting of reports across all CBS News platforms. The series later won a Columbia School of Journalism Alfred DuPont Award.

January 2010: CBS Reports: Where America Stands Aired

In January 2010, a second Katie Couric-led series, "CBS Reports: Where America Stands", aired.

2016: CBSN Launched CBSN Originals

In 2016, CBSN streaming service launched CBSN Originals, a documentary series sponsored by Pfizer. Adam Yamaguchi, formerly of Current TV's Vanguard series, became executive producer and correspondent.

2022: CBSN Originals Rebranded as CBS Reports

In 2022, the CBSN Originals project was rebranded as CBS Reports. Each documentary "takes a deep dive into key issues driving national and global conversations."