Full History Of CBS In Timeline From 1927

January 1927: United Independent Broadcasters, Inc. Founded

In January 1927, United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., a radio network, was founded in Chicago by Arthur Judson.

September 1928: Paley Became Majority Owner

By September 1928, William S. Paley became the majority owner of CBS with 51 percent of the business.

1929: Paramount Pictures Acquired CBS Shares

In 1929, Paramount Pictures acquired 49 percent of CBS.

1932: Paramount Sold Shares Back to CBS

In 1932, due to the Great Depression, Paramount Pictures sold its shares back to CBS.

1949: Pillsbury Bake-Off

In 1949, CBS began broadcasting the Pillsbury Bake-Off, an annual national cooking contest, as a special.

1950: CBS Color Television Demonstrations

In 1950, CBS held its first demonstrations of color television in the former Tiffany and Company Building in New York City.

October 20, 1951: CBS Trademark Symbol Debut

On October 20, 1951, CBS introduced its trademark symbol, an eye, which has been in use since.

1955: Captain Kangaroo Broadcast

From 1955 to 1982, CBS broadcast the live-action series Captain Kangaroo on weekday mornings.

March 31, 1957: Cinderella Musical Production

On March 31, 1957, CBS broadcast live in color a 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.

1957: Live telecast of The Nutcracker

In 1957, CBS broadcast a live telecast of George Balanchine's New York City Ballet production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker".

1958: Young People's Concerts

From 1958 to 1972, CBS was also responsible for airing the series of Young People's Concerts, conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

1958: Second Live telecast of The Nutcracker

In 1958, CBS broadcast a second live telecast of George Balanchine's New York City Ballet production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker".

1959: Lou Dorfsman replaces William Golden

In 1959, Lou Dorfsman replaced William Golden and oversaw print and on-air graphics for CBS for the next 30 years.

1961: Young People's Concerts

In 1961, The specials Young People's Concerts were nominated for several Emmy Awards, including two wins.

1963: Miss USA beauty pageant aired on CBS

In 1963, the Miss USA beauty pageant aired on CBS.

1964: National Geographic Specials

In 1964, CBS became the original broadcast home for the primetime specials produced by the National Geographic Society.

1964: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

In 1964, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first aired on NBC.

1965: A Charlie Brown Christmas

In 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas was initially broadcast on CBS.

1965: Filmed Production of The Nutcracker

In 1965, CBS aired a little-known German-American filmed production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", starring Edward Villella, Patricia McBride and Melissa Hayden.

1965: CBS remake of Cinderella

In 1965, CBS remade the musical production of "Cinderella", with Lesley Ann Warren, Stuart Damon, Ginger Rogers, and Walter Pidgeon as stars.

1966: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In 1966, CBS aired How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

1966: Young People's Concerts

In 1966, the Young People's Concerts started broadcast in color and were nominated for Emmy Awards.

1967: Bob Barker hosts Miss USA

In 1967, Bob Barker began hosting the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS.

1971: In the News Segments

From 1971 to 1986, CBS News produced In the News, which aired between Saturday morning programs.

1971: Viacom Spun Off

In 1971, CBS spun off its broadcast syndication division, Viacom, into a separate company.

1972: Young People's Concerts

From 1958 to 1972, CBS was also responsible for airing the series of Young People's Concerts, conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

1972: The Price Is Right Production Started

In 1972, production began for the long-running game show, The Price Is Right.

1972: George W. Bush's Air National Guard service

In 1972, then-President George W. Bush's service in the Air National Guard was a topic questioned on a controversial episode of 60 Minutes Wednesday on September 8, 2004.

1973: A CBS Special Presentation

From 1973 to 1990, all of these animated specials began with an animated opening sequence, in which the words "A CBS Special Presentation" were displayed in colorful lettering.

1973: The Young and the Restless Debuted

In 1973, The Young and the Restless, an hour-long daytime soap opera, debuted on CBS.

1973: George W. Bush's Air National Guard service

In 1973, then-President George W. Bush's service in the Air National Guard was a topic questioned on a controversial episode of 60 Minutes Wednesday on September 8, 2004.

1974: CBS, Inc.

In 1974, CBS dropped its original full name and became known simply as CBS, Inc.

June 1, 1977: Elvis Presley signs deal with CBS

On June 1, 1977, Elvis Presley signed a deal with CBS to appear in a new television special.

October 3, 1977: Elvis in Concert

On October 3, 1977, CBS aired "Elvis in Concert", a special filmed during Elvis Presley's final tour, nearly two months after his death.

1977: 3+1/2 Hours of Soaps

From 1977 to 2009, CBS aired 3+1/2 hours of soaps on its daytime lineup.

1977: Mikhail Baryshnikov staging of The Nutcracker

In 1977, CBS began broadcasting the Mikhail Baryshnikov staging of "The Nutcracker", starring Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland. The program became a television classic.

1978: The Kennedy Center Honors

Since its inception in 1978, CBS has been the sole broadcaster of The Kennedy Center Honors.

1981: "Reach for the Stars" campaign

In 1981, CBS launched the "Reach for the Stars" campaign, featuring a space theme. This capitalized on the network's rising ratings and the launch of the space shuttle Columbia.

1982: Captain Kangaroo Broadcast

From 1955 to 1982, CBS broadcast the live-action series Captain Kangaroo on weekday mornings.

1982: "Great Moments" campaign

In 1982, CBS introduced the "Great Moments" campaign. It juxtaposed scenes from classic CBS programs such as I Love Lucy with those of current hits like Dallas and M*A*S*H.

1983: "We've Got the Touch" campaign

In 1983, CBS launched "We've Got the Touch" campaign. Richie Havens contributed vocals for the campaign's jingle.

1984: Captain Kangaroo on Saturdays

CBS continued to broadcast Captain Kangaroo on Saturdays until 1984.

1984: Richie Havens jingle

In 1984, Richie Havens contributed vocals for the "We've Got the Touch" campaign's jingle.

1985: Kenny Rogers jingle

In 1985, Kenny Rogers contributed vocals for the "We've Got the Touch" campaign's jingle.

April 1986: Horowitz in Moscow

In April 1986, CBS presented an abbreviated version of "Horowitz in Moscow", a live piano recital by Vladimir Horowitz, marking his return to Russia after 60 years.

1986: In the News Segments

From 1971 to 1986, CBS News produced In the News, which aired between Saturday morning programs.

1986: "We've Got the Touch" campaign

In 1986, CBS continued with the "We've Got the Touch" campaign. Kenny Rogers contributed vocals for the campaign's jingle.

1986: "Share the Spirit of CBS" campaign

In 1986, CBS introduced "Share the Spirit of CBS" campaign, which utilized computer graphics and digital video effects to map out the fall schedule.

1986: Carnegie Hall: The Grand Reopening

In 1986, CBS telecast "Carnegie Hall: The Grand Reopening" in primetime, a concert commemorating the reopening of Carnegie Hall after its renovation, featuring artists such as Leonard Bernstein and Frank Sinatra.

1987: Bob Barker leaves Miss USA

In 1987, Bob Barker quit hosting the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS over a dispute about the use of fur coats as prizes.

1987: "CBS Spirit" campaign

In 1987, CBS launched the "CBS Spirit" campaign, featuring a swirling blue line to represent "the spirit" in promos.

1987: The Bold and the Beautiful Debuted

In 1987, The Bold and the Beautiful, a half-hour daytime soap opera, debuted on CBS.

1988: Alan Thicke hosts Miss USA

In 1988, Alan Thicke hosted the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS.

1988: "Television You Can Feel" campaign

In 1988, CBS unveiled the "Television You Can Feel" campaign, aiming for a sensual, new-age image. However, CBS experienced a significant ratings decline during this season.

1988: Garfield and Friends

In 1988, Garfield and Friends ran on CBS until 1995.

1989: "Get Ready for CBS" campaign

In 1989, CBS introduced "Get Ready for CBS" campaign, aiming to elevate the network's position. It involved network stars interacting in a studio set and included a partnership with Kmart.

1989: Dick Clark hosts Miss USA

In 1989, Dick Clark began hosting the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS.

1990: Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman Remaining

As of 2011, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman are the only two pre-1990 animated specials remaining on CBS.

1990: A CBS Special Presentation

From 1973 to 1990, all of these animated specials began with an animated opening sequence, in which the words "A CBS Special Presentation" were displayed in colorful lettering.

1990: "Get Ready" jingle featuring The Temptations

In 1990, the CBS campaign featured a new jingle performed by The Temptations, which featured an altered version of their hit "Get Ready".

1992: "This is CBS" tagline and sound mark introduction

In 1992, CBS introduced the tagline "This is CBS". A four-note sound mark was also introduced for end-of-show network identifications, eventually adapted into the network's IDs.

1992: Updated sound mark

In 1992, an updated version of the four-note sound mark was used during certain promotions and production company vanity cards.

1993: Dick Clark leaves Miss USA

In 1993, Dick Clark left hosting the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS.

1994: Bob Goen hosts Miss USA

In 1994, Bob Goen began hosting the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS.

1994: Westinghouse Acquired CBS

In 1994, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS.

1995: Garfield and Friends

In 1988, Garfield and Friends ran on CBS until 1995.

1995: CBS refuses to air 60 Minutes segment

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 legal and ethical concerns.

1995: "You're on CBS" tagline

In 1995, CBS used the simplified tagline "You're on CBS".

1996: Bob Goen leaves Miss USA

In 1996, Bob Goen left hosting the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS.

1996: "Welcome Home to a CBS Night" campaign

In 1996, CBS introduced the "Welcome Home to a CBS Night" campaign.

1996: Westinghouse Electric bought CBS

Westinghouse Electric bought CBS in 1996, before the King World acquisition.

1997: Wheel 2000 Premiered

In 1997, CBS premiered Wheel 2000, a children's version of Wheel of Fortune.

1997: "Welcome Home" campaign

In 1997, CBS simplified the previous campaign to "Welcome Home".

1997: CBS Corporation

In 1997, Westinghouse adopted the name CBS Corporation after acquiring the network.

September 1998: CBS Kidshow Started

In September 1998, CBS began contracting the time out to other companies to provide programming, starting with CBS Kidshow.

September 1998: Launch of CBS HD

In September 1998, CBS began its conversion to high definition with the launch of its simulcast feed CBS HD.

1999: CBS Under Viacom's Control

In 1999, CBS came under the control of the original incarnation of Viacom.

1999: "The Address is CBS" campaign

In 1999, CBS launched the spin-off campaign "The Address is CBS".

1999: Release of The Insider film

In 1999, the Michael Mann-directed drama film, The Insider, was released, based on the 1995 CBS controversy of refusing to air a 60 Minutes segment.

September 2000: Nick Jr. on CBS Started

In September 2000, CBS entered a deal with Nickelodeon to air Nick Jr. programming under the banner Nick Jr. on CBS.

2000: Wheel 2000 Premiered

In 1997, CBS premiered Wheel 2000, a children's version of Wheel of Fortune which aired simultaneously on the Game Show Network in 2000.

2000: "The Address is CBS" campaign

In 2000, CBS continued with the "The Address is CBS" campaign.

2000: Miss USA Viewership drops

In 2000, viewership of the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS dropped to an average of 7 million.

2000: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Over 30 holiday Peanuts specials (each for a specific holiday such as Halloween) were broadcast on CBS until 2000 when the broadcast rights were acquired by ABC.

2000: CBS Kidshow Ran Until

The CBS Kidshow ran until 2000 and featured programming from Nelvana.

June 27, 2001: The Young and the Restless in HD

On June 27, 2001, "The Young and the Restless" became the first daytime soap opera to broadcast in HD.

2001: Miss USA Viewership averages at 7 million

In 2001, viewership of the Miss USA beauty pageant on CBS averaged at 7 million.

2002: Nick on CBS Started

From 2002 to 2005, Nickelodeon series aimed at older children also aired as part of the block under the name Nick on CBS.

2002: Final Pillsbury Bake-Off

In 2002, CBS aired its final Pillsbury Bake-Off, an annual national cooking contest, after hosting the broadcast since 1949.

2002: Miss USA leaves CBS

In 2002, the Miss USA beauty pageant aired on CBS for the last time.

2003: Timberlake's single "Rock Your Body"

In 2003, Justin Timberlake released the single "Rock Your Body", which he performed with Janet Jackson during the halftime show of the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII.

September 8, 2004: Controversial 60 Minutes Wednesday episode

On September 8, 2004, CBS aired a controversial episode of 60 Minutes Wednesday questioning George W. Bush's Air National Guard service. The documents used in the story were not properly authenticated.

2004: FCC imposes record fine on CBS for Super Bowl incident

In 2004, the FCC imposed a record $550,000 fine on CBS for the Janet Jackson incident during Super Bowl XXXVIII's halftime show. CBS apologized but denied prior knowledge.

2005: Nick on CBS Started

From 2002 to 2005, Nickelodeon series aimed at older children also aired as part of the block under the name Nick on CBS.

2005: "Everybody's Watching" slogan

In 2005, CBS's campaign introduced the slogan "Everybody's Watching". This strategy led to proclaiming CBS as "America's Most Watched Network".

2005: Dan Rather resigns as CBS News chief anchor

In 2005, Dan Rather resigned as CBS News chief anchor following a controversial 60 Minutes Wednesday episode on September 8, 2004.

2005: CBS Corporation Re-established

In 2005, Viacom split and re-established CBS Corporation through the spin-off of its broadcast television, radio, and select cable television assets.

2005: Syndication Program

One animated series that originally aired in syndication in 2005 was featured in the KOL Secret Slumber Party lineup.

March 2006: CBS Agreed with DIC Entertainment

In March 2006, CBS agreed with DIC Entertainment to program the Saturday morning time slot.

2006: CBS' New Graphical Identity

In 2006, CBS created a new graphical identity used by the network that placed the eye in a trademark position.

2006: "We Are CBS" slogan

In 2006, CBS introduced the slogan "We Are CBS", with Don LaFontaine providing voiceovers for IDs and promos.

September 2007: Dan Rather files lawsuit against CBS and Viacom

In September 2007, Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit against CBS and Viacom related to the mishandling of a controversial story and his termination.

2007: Drew Carey Hosted The Price Is Right

In 2007, Drew Carey became the host of The Price Is Right, succeeding Bob Barker.

2007: KOL Withdrew Sponsorship

In mid-2007, KOL withdrew sponsorship from CBS' Saturday morning block, which was subsequently renamed KEWLopolis.

2008: Fine imposed on CBS annulled

In 2008, a Philadelphia federal court annulled the $550,000 fine imposed on CBS, labeling it "arbitrary and capricious".

2008: Partial dismissal of Rather's lawsuit

In 2008, parts of Dan Rather's lawsuit against CBS and Viacom were dismissed.

February 24, 2009: Contract Renewal with Cookie Jar

On February 24, 2009, CBS announced that it would renew its contract with Cookie Jar for another three seasons through 2012.

September 14, 2009: Joint venture deal with Chellomedia

On September 14, 2009, CBS Studios International reached a joint venture deal with Chellomedia to launch six CBS-branded channels in the United Kingdom.

September 19, 2009: KEWLopolis Renamed Cookie Jar TV

On September 19, 2009, KEWLopolis was renamed Cookie Jar TV.

October 1, 2009: Launch announcement of CBS channels

On October 1, 2009, it was announced that CBS Reality, CBS Reality +1, CBS Drama, and CBS Action (later CBS Justice), would launch on November 16 respectively replacing Zone Reality, Zone Reality +1, Zone Romantica and Zone Thriller.

2009: 3+1/2 Hours of Soaps

From 1977 to 2009, CBS aired 3+1/2 hours of soaps on its daytime lineup.

2009: "Only CBS" campaign

In 2009, CBS launched the "Only CBS" campaign, promoting the network's unique qualities.

April 5, 2010: Rebranding of Zone Horror channels

On April 5, 2010, Zone Horror and Zone Horror +1 were rebranded as Horror Channel and Horror Channel +1.

October 2010: The Talk Debuted

In October 2010, The Talk, a panel talk show, debuted on CBS.

2010: Dismissal of Rather's lawsuit and denial of appeal

In 2010, the entire lawsuit filed by Dan Rather against CBS and Viacom was dismissed, and his motion to appeal was denied.

October 2011: CBS Eye logo 60th anniversary

In October 2011, CBS celebrated the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the Eye logo.

2011: Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman Remaining

As of 2011, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman are the only two pre-1990 animated specials remaining on CBS.

2011: "America's Most Watched Network" slogan reintroduced

In 2011, CBS reintroduced the "America's Most Watched Network" slogan alongside "Only CBS".

2012: Rebranding of Zone Reality and Zone Romantica in Israel

In 2012, Zone Reality and Zone Romantica channels in Israel were rebranded as CBS Reality and CBS Drama, respectively.

2012: Contract Renewal with Cookie Jar

On February 24, 2009, CBS announced that it would renew its contract with Cookie Jar for another three seasons through 2012.

January 14, 2013: CNET editor-in-chief's statement

On January 14, 2013, CNET editor-in-chief Lindsey Turrentine stated that its staff was in an "impossible" situation due to the conflict of interest posed by the lawsuit, and promised to prevent a similar incident from occurring again.

January 2013: CNET disqualifies Dish Network's Hopper for "Best in Show" award

In January 2013, CBS Interactive disqualified Dish Network's "Hopper with Sling" from CNET's "Best in Show" award due to active litigation with Dish Network, leading to controversy and the resignation of a CNET senior writer.

January 31, 2013: CEA removes CNET from deciding "Best in Show" award

On January 31, 2013, the CEA announced that CNET would no longer decide the CES Best in Show award winner due to the interference of CBS.

March 2013: CBS streaming app restrictions

In March 2013, CBS restricted streaming of the most recent episodes on its streaming app for Apple iOS devices until eight days after their initial broadcast.

July 24, 2013: CBS Agreed with Litton Entertainment

On July 24, 2013, CBS agreed with Litton Entertainment to launch a new Saturday morning block.

September 28, 2013: CBS Dream Team Block Started

On September 28, 2013, the Litton-produced CBS Dream Team block began broadcasting, replacing Cookie Jar TV.

October 2013: CBS streaming app expansion

In October 2013, CBS expanded programming selections on its streaming app to include full episodes of all CBS series.

November 2013: Shutdown of CBS-branded channels in India

In November 2013, the three CBS-branded channels in India, Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Spark, and Big CBS Love, were shut down.

2013: CBS Provided Weekly Programming

As of 2013, CBS provided 87+1⁄2 hours of regularly scheduled network programming each week.

October 16, 2014: CBS All Access announcement

On October 16, 2014, CBS announced CBS All Access, the first OTT offering by a USA broadcast television network.

October 28, 2014: CBS All Access launch

On October 28, 2014, CBS launched CBS All Access, an over-the-top subscription streaming service.

2014: CBS completes HD Conversion

In 2014, CBS completed its 14-year conversion to an entirely high-definition schedule.

April 7, 2015: CBS All Access on Roku

On April 7, 2015, CBS All Access became available on Roku.

May 14, 2015: CBS All Access on Chromecast

On May 14, 2015, CBS All Access became available on Chromecast.

September 1, 2016: CBS graphical elements in 4:3

On September 1, 2016, CBS was one of the only remaining networks that framed their promotions and on-screen graphical elements for a 4:3 presentation.

June 2017: Network Ten enters voluntary administration

In June 2017, Australian free-to-air broadcaster Ten Network Holdings entered voluntary administration. CBS Corporation was the network's largest creditor.

November 2017: CBS Corporation acquires Network Ten

In November 2017, CBS Corporation completed the acquisition of Australian broadcaster Ten Network Holdings.

2017: News-sharing agreement with BBC News

In 2017, CBS News and BBC News established a news-sharing agreement, replacing CBS' agreement with Sky News.

2017: CBS Sold Radio Division

In 2017, CBS sold its radio division to Entercom (now Audacy, Inc.).

July 2018: Harassment and Discrimination Claims

In July 2018, The New Yorker published an article detailing claims from thirty current and former CBS employees about harassment, gender discrimination, or retaliation at CBS. The article also included accusations from six women against Les Moonves.

September 6, 2018: Negotiations for Les Moonves's Departure

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.

September 9, 2018: Moonves Resigns as Chief Executive

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, adding to the six original women reported in July. The accusations dated back to the 1980s.

September 24, 2018: CBS converts to 16:9 widescreen

On September 24, 2018, CBS converted its on-screen graphical elements to a 16:9 widescreen presentation for all non-news and sports programs.

December 2018: 10 All Access launch

In December 2018, CBS launched the service in Australia under the name 10 All Access.

2018: Israeli providers limit CBS channel offerings

As of 2018, Israeli television providers Yes and Hot only carry CBS Reality.

2018: End of BBC's agreement with ABC News

In 2018, the BBC's long-time agreement with ABC News was terminated, as CBS News and BBC News maintained a news-sharing agreement since 2017.

December 4, 2019: Viacom and CBS Re-merged

On December 4, 2019, Viacom and CBS re-merged to become ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global).

2019: CBS programming available in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In 2019, CBS's programming became available in the U.S. Virgin Islands on WCVI-TV in Christiansted, owned by Lilly Broadcasting.

September 2020: Paramount+ announcement

In September 2020, it was announced that CBS All Access would be rebranded as Paramount+ in early 2021.

October 2020: Unified branding announcement

In October 2020, CBS announced a more unified branding strategy across its divisions, featuring a "deconstructed eye" motif and a five-note sound trademark.

2020: New logos and imaging incorporating the deconstructed eye motif

In 2020, as part of the rebranding, CBS News and CBS Sports also introduced new logos and imaging incorporating the deconstructed eye motif and sonic branding, with CBS News initially using it for coverage of the 2020 presidential election.

March 4, 2021: Rebrand to Paramount+

On March 4, 2021, CBS All Access was rebranded as Paramount+.

2021: CBS Sports rebrand ahead of Super Bowl LV

In 2021, CBS Sports launched its rebrand ahead of Super Bowl LV, incorporating the deconstructed eye motif and sonic branding.

2021: Corporate font change

In 2021, CBS stopped using a variant of Didot, and changed its corporate font.

2021: Entercom became Audacy, Inc.

In 2021, Entercom became Audacy, Inc.

December 2022: CBS News and Stations deploy rebranding on local news operations

In December 2022, CBS News and Stations began to deploy the rebranding on the local news operations of CBS's owned-and-operated stations, with most now being branded as "CBS News (region)" to align themselves with CBS News.

2023: CBS Dream Team Renamed CBS WKND

In 2023, The Litton-produced CBS Dream Team block was renamed CBS WKND.

December 20, 2024: The Talk Ended

On December 20, 2024, The Talk officially ended its run.

February 24, 2025: Beyond the Gates Debut

On February 24, 2025, the new soap opera Beyond the Gates will replace The Talk.

History of CBS in Timeline