CBS News and Stations: The Evolution of a Broadcast Powerhouse
In the landscape of American media, few entities possess the reach and historical significance of CBS News and Stations. As a primary division of the CBS Entertainment Group under the Paramount Skydance Corporation, this organization manages a sophisticated network of television stations and news operations that serve millions of viewers across the United States.
From its humble beginnings as a single experimental station in New York City to its current status as a multi-platform media giant, the division has navigated decades of corporate mergers, technological shifts, and strategic acquisitions to remain a cornerstone of local and national broadcasting.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1941 (as the owned-and-operated stations division).
- Current Portfolio: 28 stations, including 15 core CBS network stations.
- Revenue: Reported at $1.6 billion in 2014.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States.
- Key Affiliations: Operates CBS core stations, The CW affiliates, and independent stations.
The Journey from WCBW to a National Network
The foundation of CBS's television presence began on July 21, 1931, with the launch of the experimental station W2XAB in New York City. By June 24, 1941, this venture transitioned into a commercial entity known as WCBW, later renamed WCBS-TV. Notably, WCBS-TV remains the only station in the group's history to be originally built and signed on by CBS; all other stations were added through strategic purchases or ownership stakes.
The mid-1990s marked a period of rapid expansion and structural change. In 1995, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation purchased CBS, merging the network's owned-and-operated (O&O) stations—stations owned directly by the network rather than a third-party affiliate—with those of Westinghouse Broadcasting (Group W).
This momentum continued into 2000 with a merger with Viacom, which combined CBS stations with the Paramount Stations Group to create the Viacom Television Stations Group. This entity was later rebranded as CBS Television Stations in 2006, eventually becoming CBS News and Stations in 2021.
Strategic Growth and Digital Innovation
Beyond traditional broadcasting, the group has aggressively pursued digital growth and niche programming. In 2011, the division expanded its New York presence by purchasing WLNY-TV for $55 million, creating a duopoly (two stations owned by one company in the same market) with WCBS-TV.
Digital Subchannels and Partnerships
CBS has leveraged digital subchannels—secondary channels broadcast on the same frequency as the main station—to diversify content. Key initiatives include:
- Decades: Launched in 2015 in partnership with Weigel Broadcasting, focusing on archival footage.
- Start TV: A co-owned service with Weigel Broadcasting that replaced Decades on CBS-owned stations in 2018.
- Dabl: A digital lifestyle service launched in 2019.
The Shift to Streaming
Recognizing the shift in viewer habits, the division launched CBSN Local on August 1, 2018. This initiative created streaming local news channels, starting with New York and Los Angeles, eventually expanding to 13 markets, including Miami in January 2022.
Current Station Portfolio
Today, the division manages a diverse array of stations across the United States, ranging from flagship network outlets to independent channels.
| Market | Station | Affiliation | Year Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | WCBS-TV | CBS | 1941 |
| Los Angeles | KCBS-TV | CBS | 1951 |
| Chicago | WBBM-TV | CBS | 1953 |
| Philadelphia | KYW-TV | CBS | 1995 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | KTVT | CBS | 1999 |
| Indianapolis | WBXI-CD | Start TV | 2001 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an O&O and an affiliate?
An owned-and-operated (O&O) station is a television station owned directly by the network (in this case, CBS), whereas an affiliate is a station owned by a separate company that has a contract to air the network's programming.
How did the Viacom merger affect the station group?
The 2000 merger combined CBS's existing stations with Viacom's Paramount Stations Group, forming the Viacom Television Stations Group and significantly expanding the network's reach.
What is CBSN Local?
CBSN Local is a suite of streaming local news channels designed to provide 24/7 digital news coverage in major markets, complementing traditional broadcast news.
Which station is the oldest in the group?
WCBS-TV in New York City is the oldest, having begun as an experimental station in 1931 and receiving its commercial permit in 1941.
What are digital subchannels?
Digital subchannels are additional programming streams that a station can broadcast alongside its main channel, allowing CBS to air specialized networks like Start TV and Dabl.