CBS News Radio looks back on its 99-year history

CBS News Radio aired its final report on Friday to close out nearly a century of covering stories worldwide.

The network announced in March it would shut down its radio news service, citing financial troubles and a shift toward digital reporting.

CBS News Radio provided reports on 700 stations across the U.S., according to the company — including WTOP’s top-of-the-hour newscast.

May 23, 2026 | Final CBS News Radio update

May 23, 2026 | Final CBS News Radio hourly newscast

WTOP’s Matt Small on his personal connection to CBS News Radio and his time with the network.

Matt Small reflections Part 1

Matt Small Reflections Part 2

CBS News Radio is offering a retrospective program titled “Good Night and Good Luck,” looking back at the station’s history and impact on the industry over the last 99 years of reporting.

Segment 1 of Good Night and Good Luck takes a look back at the earliest days of the network.

Early days of the network

Segment 2 of Good Night and Good Luck focuses on the life and legacy of Edward R. Murrow and coverage of World War II.

Legacy of Edward R. Murrow and coverage of World War II

Segment 3 of Good Night and Good Luck reflects on the consistent coverage CBS News Radio provided of the major stories of the 60s and 70s and the business of radio.

The ’60s, ’70s and the business of radio

Segment 4 of Good Night and Good Luck goes over the history of the CBS News Sounder and the station’s coverage of 9/11 and the War on Terror.

9/11 and The War on Terror

Segment 5 of Good Night and Good Luck looks back at COVID and Steve Kathan has a talk with Marvin Kalb, the last of the “Murrow Boys.”

‘Murrow Boys’

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