CBS Broadcasting Inc., or CBS, is a prominent American commercial broadcast television and radio network. It serves as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division within Paramount Global. Along with Paramount Pictures and MTV, CBS is one of Paramount Global's three core flagship subsidiaries, highlighting its significance within the media conglomerate. CBS operates as a major player in the broadcasting industry.
In January 1927, Arthur Judson founded United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., a radio network in Chicago, which was the origin of CBS.
By September 1928, William S. Paley became the majority owner of the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) with 51 percent of the business.
In 1929, Paramount Pictures acquired 49 percent of CBS.
In 1932, due to the Great Depression, Paramount Pictures sold its shares back to CBS, allowing CBS to remain an independent company.
In 1949, CBS began broadcasting the Pillsbury Bake-Off, an annual national cooking contest, as a special.
In 1949, the song "Loneliness of Evening" was originally composed for South Pacific but was not performed in that musical.
In 1950, CBS held its first demonstrations of color television in the former Tiffany and Company Building in New York City, contributing to its "Tiffany Network" nickname.
On October 20, 1951, CBS's trademark symbol of an eye began being used, leading to it sometimes being referred to as the Eye Network.
In 1955, CBS began broadcasting the live-action series "Captain Kangaroo" on weekday mornings.
On March 31, 1957, CBS originally broadcast live in color the musical production of 'Cinderella', with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, starring Julie Andrews. It was seen by over 100 million people.
In 1957, CBS broadcast a live telecast of the George Balanchine New York City Ballet production of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker'.
In 1958, CBS broadcast a second live telecast of the George Balanchine New York City Ballet production of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker'.
In 1958, CBS was also responsible for airing the series of "Young People's Concerts", conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
In 1959, Lou Dorfsman replaced William Golden, who died unexpectedly, and oversaw all print and on-air graphics for CBS for the next 30 years.
In 1961, The Young People's Concerts won an Emmy Awards.
In 1963, the Miss USA beauty pageant began airing on CBS.
In 1964, CBS became the original broadcast home for the primetime specials produced by the National Geographic Society.
In 1964, NBC first aired "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", produced in stop motion by Rankin/Bass.
In 1965, CBS broadcast a little-known German-American filmed production of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker' starring Edward Villella, Patricia McBride and Melissa Hayden.
In 1965, CBS remade the musical production of 'Cinderella' with Lesley Ann Warren, Stuart Damon, Ginger Rogers, and Walter Pidgeon among its stars.
In 1965, CBS was the original broadcast network home of "A Charlie Brown Christmas".
In 1966, The Young People's Concerts won an Emmy Awards.
In 1967, Bob Barker started hosting the Miss USA pageant.
In 1971, CBS spun off its broadcast syndication division, Viacom, into a separate company.
In 1972, "The Price Is Right" began production on CBS and became the longest continuously running daytime game show on network television.
In 1972, President George W. Bush's service in the Air National Guard began, which would later become the center of a controversy in 2004.
Until 1972, CBS was also responsible for airing the series of "Young People's Concerts", conducted by Leonard Bernstein.
From 1973, all CBS specials began with a fondly remembered seven-second animated opening sequence.
In 1973, President George W. Bush's service in the Air National Guard continued, which would later become the center of a controversy in 2004.
In 1973, the National Geographic Society specials moved from CBS to ABC.
In 1973, the hour-long soap opera "The Young and the Restless" debuted on CBS.
In 1974, CBS dropped its full name and became known as CBS, Inc.
In 1975, the National Geographic Society specials moved to PBS under the production of Pittsburgh member station WQED.
On June 1, 1977, Elvis Presley signed a deal with CBS to appear in a new television special.
On October 3, 1977, CBS aired the special 'Elvis in Concert', filmed during Elvis Presley's final tour, nearly two months after his death.
From 1977, CBS soap opera programming on its daytime lineup totaled 3+1⁄2 hours.
In 1977, CBS began broadcasting the Mikhail Baryshnikov staging of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker', starring the Russian dancer along with Gelsey Kirkland.
In 1978, CBS became the sole broadcaster of 'The Kennedy Center Honors', a two-hour performing arts tribute.
In 1981, CBS launched the "Reach for the Stars" campaign, featuring a space theme to capitalize on the network's improved ratings and the launch of the space shuttle Columbia.
In 1982, CBS created the "Great Moments" campaign, juxtaposing scenes from classic CBS shows like I Love Lucy with scenes from then-current hits like Dallas and M*A*S*H.
In 1982, CBS ended the weekday broadcasts of "Captain Kangaroo".
From 1983 to 1986, CBS used the slogan "We've Got the Touch" as part of its image campaign, with Richie Havens contributing vocals to the jingle.
In 1984, CBS ended the Saturday broadcasts of "Captain Kangaroo".
In 1984, Richie Havens contributed vocals to the "We've Got the Touch" campaign jingle for CBS.
In 1985, Kenny Rogers contributed vocals to the "We've Got the Touch" campaign jingle for CBS.
In 1986, CBS continued using the "We've Got the Touch" campaign, which had been running since 1983, featuring Kenny Rogers.
In 1986, CBS telecast 'Carnegie Hall: The Grand Reopening' in primetime, a concert commemorating the re-opening of Carnegie Hall after its complete renovation, featuring artists from classical conductor Leonard Bernstein to popular music singer Frank Sinatra.
In the 1986–87 season, CBS introduced the "Share the Spirit of CBS" campaign, the network's first to completely use computer graphics and digital video effects.
In 1987, Bob Barker quit the Miss USA pageant due to a dispute over fur coats.
In 1987, the half-hour soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" debuted on CBS.
In 1987–88, CBS followed up with the "CBS Spirit" campaign, utilizing clips from network programs and a swirling blue line to represent "the spirit".
In 1988, Alan Thicke hosted the Miss USA pageant.
In 1988, CBS aired primetime animated specials based on the Garfield comic strip, which led to Garfield getting his Saturday-morning cartoon on the network, "Garfield and Friends".
In 1988, CBS unveiled the "Television You Can Feel" campaign, aiming for a more sensual, new-age image, but the network's ratings experienced a significant decline this season.
In 1989, CBS introduced "Get Ready for CBS", an ambitious campaign to elevate the network out of last place, featuring network stars and partnerships with local stations and retailers like Kmart.
As of 2011, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman" are the only two pre-1990 animated specials remaining on CBS.
In 1990, CBS's campaign featured a new jingle performed by The Temptations, an altered version of their hit "Get Ready."
Until 1990, all CBS specials began with a fondly remembered seven-second animated opening sequence.
During the 1992 season, CBS introduced an updated version of the four-note sound mark for certain promotions and production company vanity cards.
In 1992, CBS launched the less-than-memorable campaign, "This is CBS", using simplified taglines. A four-note sound mark was introduced.
In 1993, Dick Clark ended his run as host of the Miss USA pageant.
In 1994, Bob Goen hosted the Miss USA pageant.
In 1994, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS.
In 1995, CBS refused to air a 60 Minutes segment featuring an interview with a former president of research and development for Brown & Williamson, raising questions about journalistic integrity and legal pressures.
In 1995, CBS used the simplified tagline "You're on CBS" as part of its promotional campaign.
In 1995, the National Geographic Society specials moved to NBC.
Until 1995, CBS aired primetime animated specials based on the Garfield comic strip, which led to Garfield getting his Saturday-morning cartoon on the network, "Garfield and Friends".
From 1996 to 1997, CBS used "Welcome Home to a CBS Night" as the promotional campaign.
In 1996, Bob Goen hosted the Miss USA pageant for the last time.
In 1996, Westinghouse Electric bought CBS, resulting in the merger of MaXaM Entertainment, Group W Productions, & CBS Enterprises.
From 1997 to 1999, CBS simplified the tagline to "Welcome Home" as the promotional campaign.
In 1997, CBS premiered "Wheel 2000", a children's version of the syndicated game show "Wheel of Fortune".
In 1997, Westinghouse adopted the name CBS Corporation, after the company it had acquired.
In September 1998, CBS began contracting out time to other companies, beginning with the "CBS Kidshow" which featured programming from Nelvana.
From 1999 to 2000, CBS used the spin-off campaign "The Address is CBS", which traced back to a radio era slogan from the 1940s.
In 1999, CBS came under the control of Viacom, which was originally a spin-off of CBS in 1971.
In 1999, the Michael Mann-directed drama film "The Insider" was released, based on CBS's 1995 decision to not air a 60 Minutes segment.
In September 2000, CBS entered a deal with Nickelodeon to air programming from its Nick Jr. block under the banner "Nick Jr. on CBS."
In 2000, CBS aired "Wheel 2000", a children's version of the syndicated game show "Wheel of Fortune" which aired simultaneously on the Game Show Network.
In 2000, CBS gradually converted much of its existing programming from standard definition to high definition.
In 2000, the CBS Kidshow block ended.
In 2000, the Miss USA pageant viewership dropped to an average of 7 million viewers.
In 2000, the National Geographic Society specials returned to PBS.
Until 2000, Over 30 holiday Peanuts specials were broadcast on CBS. The broadcast rights were then acquired by ABC.
In January 2001, the National Geographic Channel was launched as a joint venture between the National Geographic Society and Fox Cable Networks.
On June 27, 2001, 'The Young and the Restless' became the first daytime soap opera to broadcast in HD.
In 2001, the Miss USA pageant viewership averaged around 7 million viewers.
From 2002, live-action and animated Nickelodeon series aimed at older children also aired as part of the block under the name "Nick on CBS".
In 2002, CBS aired its final broadcast of the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
In 2002, Donald Trump brokered a deal with NBC to move the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss Teen USA pageants to that network.
In 2003, Justin Timberlake's single "Rock Your Body" was released, which would later be performed at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, leading to the Janet Jackson controversy in 2004.
In 2003, the Miss USA pageant started airing on NBC as part of a five-year contract.
On September 8, 2004, CBS aired a controversial episode of 60 Minutes Wednesday, questioning President George W. Bush's service in the Air National Guard, leading to allegations of forgery and the firing of four CBS employees.
In 2004, the FCC imposed a record $550,000 fine against CBS for Janet Jackson's breast exposure during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, leading to increased broadcast regulation. CBS apologized following the incident.
In 2005, CBS introduced the slogan "Everybody's Watching" as part of its campaign, proclaiming itself "America's Most Watched Network".
In 2005, Viacom split into two companies and re-established CBS Corporation through the spin-off of its broadcast television, radio, and select cable television assets.
In 2005, one animated series that originally aired in syndication aired on the Saturday morning time slot.
Prior to 2005, CBS broadcast certain holiday specials such as the Rankin-Bass specials in 4:3 SD, although some have been remastered for HD broadcast
Until 2005, live-action and animated Nickelodeon series aimed at older children also aired as part of the block under the name "Nick on CBS".
In March 2006, CBS entered into a three-year agreement with DIC Entertainment to program the Saturday morning time slot.
In 2006, CBS launched the "We Are CBS" campaign, with Don LaFontaine providing the voiceover for IDs and promos.
In 2006, CBS used a new graphical identity created by Trollbäck + Company, placing the eye logo in a "trademark" position.
In September 2007, former CBS news anchor Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit against CBS and Viacom over the mishandling of the 60 Minutes story and his termination.
During the 2006-2007 network television season, CBS used a new graphical identity created by Trollbäck + Company, placing the eye logo in a "trademark" position.
In 2007, Drew Carey became the host of "The Price Is Right," succeeding Bob Barker.
In mid-2007, KOL withdrew sponsorship from CBS' Saturday morning block, which was subsequently renamed KEWLopolis.
In 2008, a Philadelphia federal court annulled the $550,000 fine imposed on CBS in 2004, labeling it "arbitrary and capricious".
In 2008, parts of Dan Rather's Lawsuit against CBS were dismissed.
On February 24, 2009, CBS renewed its contract with Cookie Jar for another three seasons through 2012.
On September 14, 2009, CBS Studios International reached a joint venture deal with Chellomedia to launch six CBS-branded channels in the United Kingdom.
On September 19, 2009, KEWLopolis was renamed Cookie Jar TV.
On October 1, 2009, it was announced that CBS Reality, CBS Reality +1, CBS Drama, and CBS Action would launch on November 16, replacing Zone Reality, Zone Reality +1, Zone Romantica, and Zone Thriller.
In 2009, CBS introduced the "Only CBS" campaign, highlighting unique qualities of the network in promotions.
Until 2009, CBS soap opera programming on its daytime lineup totaled 3+1⁄2 hours.
On April 5, 2010, Zone Horror and Zone Horror +1 were rebranded as Horror Channel and Horror Channel +1.
In October 2010, "The Talk", a panel talk show, debuted on CBS.
By the 2010-11 season, NBC, Fox, and The CW were already airing their entire programming schedules in high definition.
In 2010, the entire lawsuit was dismissed and Rather's motion to appeal was denied.
In October 2011, CBS celebrated the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the Eye logo.
As of 2011, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman" are the only two pre-1990 animated specials remaining on CBS.
By the 2011-12 midseason, ABC was broadcasting its entire schedule in HD.
In 2011, CBS re-introduced the "America's Most Watched Network" slogan alongside the "Only CBS" campaign.
In 2012, CBS contract with Cookie Jar ended.
In 2012, Zone Reality and Zone Romantica channels in Israel were rebranded as CBS Reality and CBS Drama, respectively.
On January 14, 2013, CNET editor-in-chief Lindsey Turrentine issued a statement regarding the "impossible" situation and conflict of interest due to the lawsuit.
In January 2013, CBS Interactive disqualified Dish Network's "Hopper with Sling" from the CES "Best in Show" award due to litigation, causing controversy and resignations.
On January 31, 2013, the CEA announced that CNET would no longer decide the CES Best in Show award winner due to CBS's interference, and jointly awarded the award to both the Hopper with Sling and Razer Edge.
In March 2013, CBS restricted streaming of the most recent episode of any of the network's programs on its streaming app for Apple iOS devices until eight days after their initial broadcast.
On July 24, 2013, CBS agreed with Litton Entertainment to launch a new Saturday morning block.
On September 28, 2013, the Litton-produced "CBS Dream Team" block began broadcasting, replacing Cookie Jar TV.
In October 2013, CBS expanded programming selections on its streaming app with the release of its Google Play and Windows 8 apps, to include full episodes of all CBS series to which the network does not license the streaming rights to other services.
In late November 2013, the three CBS-branded channels in India, Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Spark, and Big CBS Love, were shut down.
As of 2013, CBS provides 87+1⁄2 hours of regularly scheduled network programming each week.
On October 16, 2014, CBS announced the launch of CBS All Access, an over-the-top streaming service, one day after HBO announced the launch of HBO Now.
On October 28, 2014, CBS launched CBS All Access, an over-the-top subscription streaming service.
In 2014, CBS completed its 14-year conversion to an entirely high-definition schedule, with 'Big Brother' and 'Let's Make a Deal' becoming the final two series to convert.
On May 14, 2015, CBS All Access became available on Chromecast.
In 2015, NBC ended their partnership with Miss USA after 12 years amid controversial remarks from Donald Trump.
On September 1, 2016, when ABC converted to a 16:9 widescreen presentation, CBS and The CW were the only remaining networks that framed their promotions and on-screen graphical elements for a 4:3 presentation.
In 2016, Donald Trump launched his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, resulting in controversies.
In June 2017, Australian free-to-air broadcaster Network Ten, a major supplier of international programs to CBS, entered voluntary administration due to unprofitability.
In November 2017, CBS Corporation acquired Australian free-to-air broadcaster Network 10, of which CBS was the network's largest creditor.
In 2017, CBS sold its radio division to Entercom, which is now known as Audacy, Inc.
In July 2018, a New Yorker article by Ronan Farrow reported allegations from thirty current and former CBS employees, citing harassment, gender discrimination, or retaliation at CBS. Six women accused Les Moonves of harassment and intimidation in July 2018.
On September 6, 2018, it was reported that CBS board members were negotiating Les Moonves's departure from the company following allegations of harassment and intimidation.
On September 9, 2018, Les Moonves resigned as chief executive of CBS after The New Yorker reported that six additional women had raised accusations against him.
On September 24, 2018, CBS converted its on-screen graphical elements to a 16:9 widescreen presentation for all non-news and sports programs.
In December 2018, CBS All Access was launched in Australia under the name 10 All Access.
As of 2018, Israeli television providers Yes and Hot only carry CBS Reality.
CBS's news-sharing agreement with Sky News would have ended in 2018 due to Sky's purchase by NBCUniversal.
On December 4, 2019, CBS Corporation and Viacom agreed to re-merge, becoming ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global).
Since 2019, CBS network programming has been available in the U.S. Virgin Islands on WCVI-TV in Christiansted, owned by Lilly Broadcasting.
In September 2020, it was announced that CBS All Access would be rebranded as Paramount+ in early 2021.
In October 2020, CBS announced a unified branding strategy across the network and its divisions, featuring a "deconstructed eye" motif and a five-note sound trademark.
In 2020, as part of the rebranding, CBS News introduced new logos and imaging incorporating the deconstructed eye motif and sonic branding, initially for coverage of the 2020 presidential election.
On March 4, 2021, CBS All Access was rebranded as Paramount+.
In 2021, CBS Sports launched its rebrand ahead of Super Bowl LV, incorporating the deconstructed eye motif and sonic branding.
In 2021, Entercom, the company that acquired CBS Radio in 2017, was renamed Audacy, Inc.
Until 2021, CBS historically used a specially-commissioned variant of Didot as its corporate font.
On December 20, 2024, "The Talk" officially ended its run on CBS.
On February 24, 2025, the soap opera "Beyond the Gates" will replace the talk show "The Talk" in CBS's daytime programming lineup.
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