Media Veterans Criticize CBS News for Abandoning Murrow-Era Journalism as CNN Embraces It

CBS News faces backlash for ending its radio service and telegraph wire, while CNN experiments with retro broadcast formats to boost ratings.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:56pm

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Media veterans have expressed outrage over CBS News' decision to shut down its century-old radio service and telegraph wire, which they see as a departure from the network's legacy of Murrow-era journalism. Meanwhile, CNN has been experimenting with new broadcast formats that harken back to the Edward R. Murrow era, including anchors broadcasting from their offices and using large desk microphones, in an apparent attempt to revive its flagging ratings.

Why it matters

The criticism of CBS News' moves highlights the ongoing tension between traditional journalistic values and the need for media organizations to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. The contrasting approaches of CBS and CNN also reflect the broader challenges facing the news industry as it navigates the evolving media landscape.

The details

CBS News announced it will be ending its radio service and telegraph wire on May 22, 2026, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from media veterans who see it as a betrayal of the network's storied history. Meanwhile, CNN has been experimenting with new broadcast formats that harken back to the Edward R. Murrow era, including having anchors like Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper broadcast from their offices and using large desk microphones, in an apparent effort to boost the network's flagging ratings.

  • CBS News announced the closure of its radio service and telegraph wire on March 20, 2026.
  • The radio service and telegraph wire will cease operations on May 22, 2026.

The players

Bari Weiss

A media executive who is overseeing the changes at CBS News, including the closure of the radio service and telegraph wire.

Tom Cibrowski

A CBS News executive who co-authored the memo announcing the closure of the radio service and telegraph wire.

Jake Tapper

A CNN anchor who has been experimenting with broadcasting from his office as part of the network's efforts to revive its broadcast formats.

Anderson Cooper

A CNN anchor who has also been involved in the network's experiments with retro broadcast formats.

Edward R. Murrow

A legendary CBS News journalist whose broadcasts during the mid-20th century are seen as the epitome of Murrow-era journalism.

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