CBS News Radio to Shut Down After Nearly 100 Years Following Second Round of Network Layoffs

**CBS News Radio to Close as Company Restructures Amid Layoffs**

CBS News has announced the imminent closure of its radio operations, CBS News Radio, marking the end of a nearly century-long legacy that began in September 1927. The decision, communicated to staff via a memo on March 20, 2025, is part of a broader restructuring strategy amidst a challenging media landscape. The shutdown is set to take effect on May 22, 2025.

In the official communication, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski acknowledged the gravity of the decision. They described the closure as a “necessary decision,” although they noted that it was not taken lightly. According to reports from The Guardian and other outlets, the cessation of radio operations is expected to affect approximately 700 stations across the United States.

Weiss, who assumed her role as editor-in-chief in October 2025, expressed her sincere efforts to explore potential solutions for the radio division before her tenure. In her address to the staff, she stated, “I want you to know that we did everything we could … to try and find a viable solution to sustain the radio operation.” However, she acknowledged that ultimately, the organisation could not sustain the operation in light of evolving media consumption patterns.

Additionally, this decision comes alongside CBS News’ announcement of workforce reductions, with a 6% cut affecting around 60 employees. This follows a previous round of layoffs within the last six months, reinforcing the tough economic climate that many media organisations currently face. The firm has highlighted the necessity for adaptation in a rapidly shifting news landscape, with Weiss and Cibrowski indicating that parts of the newsroom may need to downsize to facilitate strategic growth in other areas.

In their memo, the executives communicated their commitment to handling the layoffs thoughtfully, remarking, “We recognise that this is a difficult time for those who will be leaving CBS News. Because these aren’t just names on a list. They are talented, committed colleagues who have been critical to our success.” Such reassurances reflect an effort to maintain morale among remaining staff during these unsettling times.

Bari Weiss has articulated a vision for transforming CBS News to ensure it remains relevant in the 21st century. In a previous meeting held in January, she emphasised the need for substantial changes to adapt to a media industry that has experienced greater transformation in the last decade than in the previous century and a half. She acknowledged that the evolution of media consumption is far from complete.

Weiss’s leadership approach appears deeply aligned with the changing dynamics in media consumption, where new audiences are emerging in diverse platforms and formats. The executives outlined ambitions for future growth and investment, intending to capture these new audiences while asserting that certain expansions may necessitate reductions in other areas.

As CBS News navigates these challenging transitions, the closure of CBS News Radio represents a significant shift in its operational strategy. The move underscores the complexities and realities facing traditional media as they strive to retain their audience amid rapid technological advancements and changing viewer behaviours.

Given the deep roots CBS News Radio has established over nearly a century, its closure is likely to evoke reflection among those in the media industry about the future of radio journalism in a landscape increasingly dominated by digital content delivery systems. As CBS News embarks on this new chapter, it remains to be seen how the organisation will adapt and innovate to thrive in the competitive media environment of the future.