CBS News to Cut 6% of Workforce, Shut Down Radio Division in Major Overhaul
CBS News has announced plans to lay off approximately 6% of its workforce and shut down its long-running radio division, marking a significant shift in its operations amid broader industry changes.
The decision will affect dozens of employees out of the network’s roughly 1,100 staff members. The move also brings an end to CBS News Radio, a service that has been on air for nearly a century. The radio unit is scheduled to cease operations on May 22, giving its 700 affiliated stations limited time to secure alternative programming.
In a memo to staff, editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and network president Tom Cibrowski described the layoffs as a difficult but necessary step to reallocate resources in response to shifting audience habits and economic pressures.
They acknowledged the historical importance of the radio division, noting its role as a foundational part of the organization since 1927, but said changes in programming strategies and declining revenue made its continuation unsustainable.
The restructuring comes amid a broader transformation at CBS News following changes at its parent company, Paramount, now under the leadership of David Ellison. It is the second round of layoffs since Ellison assumed control last year.
Executives framed the cuts as part of a strategy to adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape, where audiences are increasingly consuming news through digital platforms. According to internal communications, some areas of the newsroom are being scaled down to allow for investment in new growth opportunities.
Weiss, who joined CBS News leadership in October with a mandate to rebuild trust and expand audience reach, is said to be driving the overhaul. Her efforts have focused on modernizing operations and addressing internal challenges, including morale and resistance to change.
Although Paramount is currently seeking regulatory approval for a potential acquisition involving Warner Bros. Discovery – which could eventually bring CNN under the same umbrella – sources say the current layoffs are unrelated to that deal.
CBS News management indicated that affected employees would be notified promptly and emphasized that the transition would be handled with care. However, executives acknowledged that the coming weeks would be particularly difficult for radio staff, who will continue broadcasting until the service is officially discontinued.
Further restructuring is expected in the months ahead as CBS News continues to reposition itself in a competitive and rapidly changing media environment.
