CBS Celebrates 70 Years of Masters TV Coverage

The network's long-running partnership with the iconic golf tournament continues with new tech and production enhancements.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:04am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold colors that breaks down the Masters golf tournament into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the event's rich history and evolution on television.The Masters' storied television history is reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the iconic golf tournament into a vibrant, geometric mosaic.Augusta Today

This week marks the 70th anniversary of the Masters tournament being broadcast on CBS television. The network has had the longest-running relationship between a specific event and a network in sports, with a new deal negotiated each year to cover the prestigious golf major. CBS has carefully balanced honoring the Masters' rich traditions while also introducing new coverage concepts and leveraging the latest broadcast technologies.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most iconic sporting events, steeped in history and tradition. CBS's ability to evolve its coverage while respecting the tournament's legacy has been crucial to maintaining the event's prestige and appeal for casual and diehard golf fans alike. As the tournament celebrates this milestone, it underscores the network's commitment to innovating around one of the crown jewels of its sports programming.

The details

CBS first broadcast the Masters in 1956, initially only covering the final four holes before expanding its coverage over the years. In 1966, the tournament became the first golf event broadcast in color, a landmark moment. Other key milestones include CBS's Jim Nantz making his debut in 1986 and the introduction of 'Amen Corner Live' coverage in 2006. This year, CBS is debuting new enhancements like expanded drone and shot tracing technology around the iconic Amen Corner section of the course.

  • CBS first broadcast the Masters in 1956.
  • In 1966, the Masters became the first golf tournament broadcast in color.
  • In 1986, Jim Nantz made his debut covering the Masters for CBS.
  • In 2006, the tournament introduced its 'Amen Corner Live' coverage.
  • In 2016, the Masters became the first live sporting event in the U.S. to be carried in 4K Ultra HD.

The players

Clifford Roberts

The former chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, who had the vision to televise the Masters as early as 1947.

David Berson

The president and CEO of CBS Sports, who discusses the network's approach to balancing tradition and innovation in its Masters coverage.

Jim Nantz

The current host of CBS's Masters coverage, who made his debut at the tournament in 1986 and considers it the event he thinks about most throughout the year.

Frank Chirkinian

The legendary CBS producer who oversaw the network's Masters coverage for 38 consecutive years, including the tournament's transition to color television in 1966.

Sellers Shy

CBS's coordinating producer for golf, who hinted at new production enhancements like expanded drone and shot tracing technology for this year's Masters broadcast.

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What they’re saying

“It's a very delicate balance because honoring tradition of what this tournament represents is very important to them, very important to us. We're constantly looking to add things to the Masters that are firsts, that are capitalizing on new technology that's available, but truly trying to strike that balance that we're keeping it true to what it's about.”

— David Berson, President and CEO, CBS Sports

“It's the one event which people relate with me the most. I might be talking to a football coach in August, and he'll ask me, 'What about Augusta?' Fans at games ask me, 'Who's going to win the Masters this year?' It's the one event I think about all year long. The Masters is in my heart.”

— Jim Nantz, CBS Sports Host

“It was like walking into the light after a lifetime of darkness. It is still burned into my brain.”

— Frank Chirkinian, Legendary CBS Producer

What’s next

This year's Masters broadcast will feature several new production enhancements, including expanded drone and shot tracing technology around the iconic Amen Corner section of the course.

The takeaway

CBS's long-running partnership with the Masters has allowed the network to carefully balance honoring the tournament's rich traditions while also introducing innovative new coverage concepts and leveraging the latest broadcast technologies. This delicate balance has been crucial to maintaining the event's prestige and appeal for both casual and diehard golf fans.