Curtain Call for CBS Radio News // USA Radio News Celebrates 41 Years

Originally posted on LinkedIn

There was no rock from a slingshot that fell this news giant… rather, it was a line item on a balance sheet that caught the attention of higher ups and bean counters who decided to throw in the towel. CBS’s new owners’ desired return (earnings multiple) on their investment (i.e. ongoing expenses), no longer justified allocating resources to their radio division. Line item deleted. These were not radio professionals who made this decision, and my heart goes out to all those who are affected.

CBS Radio News had just completed a satellite distribution change in the past few months. More than 600 receivers were re-tuned to a new carrier. All that time & energy spent… for no good reason. The nearly 100 year old radio news network of Cronkite & Osgood will be no more, in a mere two months.

Last year, ABC News Radio started charging many of its affiliates $500 – $800 per station, per month, to remain an ABC News affiliate. That was a deal breaker for many stations. If you’re an affiliate, be ready for that possible surprise when your contract comes up for renewal. Not all stations were subject to this, but many have been.

The national radio news network landscape has changed significantly in the last eight months, and I expect further consolidation to occur.

If you’re an affiliate, always have a backup plan. Know what’s out there, and have real relationships with your content providers, including those you may want to do business with in the future.

If you’re looking for a quality alternative for your network news partnership, might I suggest a 24/7 network that is celebrating 41 years of service to stations of all formats …

[ USA Radio News has entered the chat @ usaradio.com ]