CBS

Definition

CBS, or Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American television and radio network that began in 1927. It played a significant role in the development of radio news, helping to shape the way news was reported and disseminated across the country during its formative years.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CBS was established as a radio network in 1927 and quickly expanded into television, becoming one of the dominant networks in the U.S.
2. The network was known for its innovative approach to news reporting, including the use of live broadcasts and comprehensive coverage of significant events.
3. CBS's news division gained prominence under leaders like Edward R. Murrow, who set new standards for journalistic integrity and reporting in broadcasting.
4. During the Golden Age of Radio, CBS developed popular programs that also included news segments, which helped integrate news into entertainment.
5. The network's commitment to news has continued through various decades, adapting to changes in technology and audience preferences while maintaining a focus on journalism.

Review Questions

• How did CBS influence the development of radio news during its early years?
  • CBS significantly influenced the development of radio news by introducing innovative broadcasting techniques and expanding the scope of news coverage. They were among the first to offer live reports from significant events, which changed how audiences consumed news. By creating a structured news division with high journalistic standards, CBS set a precedent for how radio networks approached news programming.
• Discuss the impact of Edward R. Murrow on CBS's reputation in journalism.
  • Edward R. Murrow had a profound impact on CBS's reputation as a leader in quality journalism. His courageous reporting during World War II brought crucial events to American audiences, demonstrating the power of broadcast journalism. Murrow's commitment to truth-telling during the McCarthy era further solidified CBS's identity as a network willing to confront difficult issues and uphold journalistic integrity.
• Evaluate how CBS has adapted its news programming over time in response to technological changes and audience needs.
  • CBS has continuously evolved its news programming to keep pace with technological advancements and changing audience demands. From its early days in radio to the advent of television, and now digital media, CBS has embraced new platforms to deliver news effectively. The network has integrated social media, online streaming, and interactive content into its operations while maintaining a focus on thorough reporting and factual accuracy. This adaptability has allowed CBS to remain relevant and influential in an ever-changing media landscape.

Related terms

Radio Corporation of America (RCA): A major American electronics company that played a crucial role in the development of radio and television broadcasting in the early 20th century.

Murrow: Edward R. Murrow was a pioneering American broadcast journalist for CBS, known for his influential radio and television news reports during World War II and the McCarthy era.

Network News: Television and radio news programming produced by major broadcasting networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC, which reached wide audiences with standardized news coverage.