CBS News

CBS News
source
Type	News division
Founded	18 September 1927
Founder	William S. Paley
Headquarters	CBS Building, New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Wendy McMahon (president)
Parent	Paramount Global
Website	cbsnews.com

CBS News is the news division of the American CBS television network, forming a core pillar of Paramount Global's media portfolio. Launched in 1927, it is one of the oldest broadcast news organizations in the United States, renowned for its long-form journalism and iconic programs. Throughout its history, it has been home to legendary journalists and has played a pivotal role in covering major national and international events, from World War II to the September 11 attacks.

History

The division was established shortly after the network's founding, with early prominence coming from its groundbreaking coverage of events like the Hindenburg disaster and the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Under the leadership of figures like Edward R. Murrow, it set new standards for broadcast journalism during World War II and the subsequent Cold War, most notably with Murrow's confrontational reports on Senator Joseph McCarthy. The expansion into television news began in the 1940s, with the launch of the first regularly scheduled network television news program. The division solidified its reputation during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, and later adapted to the competitive pressures of the CNN era and the Fox News Channel.

Programming

Its programming slate is built around flagship broadcasts and long-running institutions. The cornerstone is the CBS Evening News, which has been anchored by figures such as Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, and Katie Couric. The Sunday morning public affairs program Face the Nation is one of the longest-running news programs in television history. Other key programs include the early-morning show CBS Mornings, the news magazine 60 Minutes, which revolutionized television journalism, and its sister program 48 Hours. The division also produces special event coverage for elections, inaugurations, and breaking news.

Notable personalities

The division's legacy is defined by its iconic correspondents and anchors. Legendary figures include Edward R. Murrow, whose work from the Blitz and on See It Now became legendary; Walter Cronkite, often called "the most trusted man in America" who anchored through events like the John F. Kennedy assassination and the Apollo 11 moon landing; and Dan Rather, who served as anchor for 24 years. Other influential journalists have included Mike Wallace and Morley Safer of 60 Minutes, Bob Schieffer of Face the Nation, and contemporary figures like Norah O'Donnell and John Dickerson.

Operations and divisions

The division operates major domestic bureaus in cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago, and maintains international bureaus in locations such as London, Beijing, and Jerusalem. It includes specialized units like CBS News Investigations and a robust digital operation centered on CBSNews.com and streaming services like CBS News (streaming service). It also collaborates with other Paramount Global properties, including local CBS stations and Showtime, and has a content-sharing partnership with the BBC.

Ratings and viewership

Historically dominant, the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite regularly topped the ratings for decades. While it has faced intense competition from NBC Nightly News and ABC World News Tonight in the evening news race, its program 60 Minutes has remained a top-ten fixture for nearly five decades, a record in American television. The morning program CBS Mornings competes in a highly competitive landscape against Today (American TV program) and Good Morning America. Its digital platforms have grown significantly, aiming to reach audiences beyond traditional broadcast.

Controversies and criticism

The division has navigated several high-profile journalistic controversies. These include the 2004 60 Minutes Wednesday report about President George W. Bush's Texas Air National Guard service, which led to the departure of Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes. It has also faced criticism, including from the Nixon administration, for perceived liberal bias in its reporting. Other incidents involve internal conflicts, such as the dismissal of anchor Connie Chung and legal disputes with former correspondent Sharyl Attkisson over editorial independence.

Category:CBS News Category:1927 establishments in the United States Category:News divisions of American television networks