Major American commercial broadcast television network known for news, sports, daytime programming, and scripted entertainment.
Last updated October 20, 2026
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Overview
CBS is an American commercial broadcast television network whose roots reach back to a radio network established in 1927. It is one of the United States’ traditional Big Three television networks, alongside ABC and NBC, and remains a flagship broadcasting property within Paramount Skydance Corporation. The network is recognized by its eye emblem, which has been used since 1951, and is often informally called the “Eye Network.” The older nickname “Tiffany Network” reflects the reputation for polished, comparatively prestigious programming associated with the long tenure of William S. Paley. The business began as United Independent Broadcasters, a Chicago-based radio network founded by talent agent Arthur Judson. Columbia Phonograph Company invested in the enterprise in 1927, leading to the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System name. In 1928, the network was acquired by Isaac and Leon Levy and Jerome Louchheim, who installed William S. Paley as president. Paley became the controlling owner later that year and simplified the name to Columbia Broadcasting System. Paramount Pictures briefly held a substantial minority stake, but sold it back during the economic pressures of the Great Depression. Under Paley, CBS developed from a radio network into a major television operation. Television expansion began in the 1940s, while the company cultivated a broad national affiliate system and invested in news, entertainment, sports, and daytime programming. CBS became particularly associated with high-profile journalism, including 60 Minutes, CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, and CBS Sunday Morning, as well as long-running entertainment and daytime franchises. Its schedule has included scripted series such as NCIS and The Big Bang Theory, game shows such as The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal, and soap operas including The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. The corporate structure surrounding CBS changed repeatedly. The company separated its broadcast syndication business, Viacom, in 1971 and adopted CBS, Inc. as its shortened corporate name in 1974. Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired the network in 1994 and subsequently adopted the CBS corporate identity. CBS later came under the control of the original Viacom in 1999. A 2005 split re-established CBS Corporation as a separately controlled media company, with the broadcast network at its center. CBS Corporation and Viacom reunited in 2019, creating ViacomCBS, later renamed Paramount Global. Following Paramount’s subsequent corporate reorganization, CBS became part of the CBS Entertainment Group division of Paramount Skydance Corporation. CBS’s principal offering is scheduled network programming delivered through owned-and-operated stations and affiliates. Its regular output spans broadcast news, live and recorded sports, primetime scripted and unscripted shows, daytime serials and game shows, morning programming, political affairs, and weekend magazine programs. Major sports relationships have included the NFL, PGA events, and NCAA competitions. The network also has a substantial historical legacy in children’s television and holiday specials, including Captain Kangaroo, Saturday-morning programming blocks, Peanuts specials, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. CBS formerly operated a radio division, but CBS Radio was sold to Entercom in 2017; Entercom later adopted the Audacy name. CBS continues to license its brand for certain radio news and affiliate uses, while the television network remains the core CBS-branded operation. Today, CBS combines a national free-to-air broadcast network, a large American affiliate footprint, production facilities in New York and Los Angeles, and distribution through contemporary pay-television and streaming arrangements. Its positioning remains mainstream, broad-reach American television, with particular strength in news, live sports, procedural drama, daytime television, and established franchises.
History
CBS originated in the expansion of American radio broadcasting during the 1920s. United Independent Broadcasters was created in Chicago on January 27, 1927, by talent agent Arthur Judson. Columbia Phonograph Company invested in the network in April of that year, producing the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System name. Financial and ownership difficulties soon led to a sale to Isaac and Leon Levy, owners of Philadelphia station WCAU, and their associate Jerome Louchheim. William S. Paley, related to the Levys by marriage, became president and subsequently acquired majority control. He renamed the enterprise the Columbia Broadcasting System. Paley built CBS through programming investment, advertiser relationships, and affiliate expansion. Paramount Pictures acquired a 49 percent interest in 1929, but the Great Depression forced the studio to dispose of its holding in 1932. CBS then operated primarily as an independent company for decades. Its radio service became a major national institution, while the company gradually entered television during the 1940s. The network developed a reputation for carefully produced entertainment and influential journalism, helping establish the enduring “Tiffany Network” label. CBS expanded its portfolio beyond transmission and programming. In 1971, it spun off its broadcast syndication division as Viacom, creating a corporate relationship that would later be reversed. In 1974, the company dropped its original full corporate name and became CBS, Inc. Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS in 1994 and changed the legal corporate identity to CBS Broadcasting Inc. in 1996. In 1997, Westinghouse adopted the CBS Corporation name. The company came under the control of the original Viacom in 1999. A 2005 corporate split restored CBS Corporation as a separate public company. Its assets included the broadcast network, television production and distribution operations, radio holdings, and selected cable and non-broadcast businesses. The CBS network remained the central consumer-facing brand. CBS Corporation later reunited with Viacom in 2019, forming ViacomCBS, which was subsequently renamed Paramount Global. The network was reorganized within CBS Entertainment Group and ultimately became one of the principal broadcasting and entertainment properties of Paramount Skydance Corporation. Programming has remained the network’s defining business. CBS has maintained a substantial primetime schedule and one of the longest daytime schedules among major American networks. The Price Is Right, in continuous network production since 1972, is a signature game-show franchise, while Let’s Make a Deal continues the network’s game-show tradition. CBS has also sustained a large soap-opera presence through The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and, from 2025, Beyond the Gates. Its news division supports morning, evening, Sunday political, and magazine programming, with 60 Minutes and related programs among the most recognizable properties in American television history. Sports have been another strategic pillar. CBS has carried major professional and collegiate competitions, including NFL games, PGA golf, and NCAA events. Live sports can alter the network’s planned primetime schedule because CBS commonly allows games to finish before beginning scheduled entertainment programs. The network’s history also includes children’s television, from Captain Kangaroo and animated series to outsourced Saturday-morning blocks. Its holiday identity was strengthened by broadcasts of Peanuts, Dr. Seuss, Garfield, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and other animated specials, although rights to several properties later moved to other distributors. CBS operated CBS Radio until 2017, when it sold the division to Entercom, now Audacy. The transaction removed direct radio ownership from CBS while leaving some CBS news distribution and trademark licensing relationships. The television network continues to reach American audiences through owned-and-operated and affiliated stations, with more than 240 stations reported across the United States, and through selected international distribution. Its New York operations include the CBS Broadcast Center and One Astor Plaza, while Los Angeles production has been associated with Television City and CBS Studio Center. The eye logo, introduced in 1951, remains the brand’s central visual identifier.
- 2025
Beyond the Gates debuts
[1]Beyond the Gates joined CBS’s weekday daytime soap-opera lineup.
- 2019
CBS and Viacom reunite
[1]CBS Corporation and Viacom merged again, forming ViacomCBS.
- 2017
CBS Radio divested
[1]CBS sold its radio division to Entercom, later known as Audacy.
- 2013
CBS Dream Team launches
[1]CBS introduced the Litton-produced CBS Dream Team Saturday-morning block for teenagers.
- 2005
CBS Corporation re-established
[1]A Viacom split restored CBS Corporation as a separate public company with the broadcast network at its core.
- 1999
CBS comes under Viacom control
[1]The original Viacom acquired control of CBS.
- 1997
Westinghouse adopts CBS Corporation name
[1]The acquiring company adopted the name CBS Corporation.
- 1994
Westinghouse acquires CBS
[1]Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired the network and began a new phase of corporate ownership.
- 1974
Corporate name shortened to CBS, Inc.
[1]The company stopped using its full Columbia Broadcasting System corporate name.
- 1972
The Price Is Right begins its CBS daytime run
[1]The current network version of The Price Is Right began production, becoming a long-running CBS daytime franchise.
Products and positioning
Mainstream, broad-reach American broadcast network combining national news, live sports, established entertainment franchises, and long-running daytime programming.
Television news
CBS News
CBS’s news operation supplies morning, evening, Sunday political, and magazine programming. Its recognizable franchises include CBS Mornings, CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, 60 Minutes, CBS News Sunday Morning, and 48 Hours. The division is central to CBS’s reputation for national journalism and provides content to the broadcast network and related distribution channels.
Sports broadcasting
CBS Sports
CBS Sports provides live and recorded coverage across major American sports. Its broadcast output has included NFL games, PGA golf, NCAA competitions, and the CBS Sports Spectacular anthology. Sports programming is a major weekend component of the network schedule and can affect the timing of entertainment programs when live events run long.
Daytime television
CBS Daytime
CBS Daytime is the network’s long-running weekday daytime service. It combines game shows, talk programming, and serial dramas, including The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Beyond the Gates. The service has historically maintained the longest daytime schedule among the major commercial networks.
Entertainment television
CBS Primetime
CBS primetime presents scripted drama, comedy, reality, competition, and special-event programming. The network has been associated with broad-audience franchises such as NCIS and The Big Bang Theory and uses its national affiliate structure to distribute scheduled programming throughout the United States.
Children’s and youth programming
CBS Saturday-morning programming
CBS has used successive branded Saturday-morning blocks for children and teenagers. Historical blocks included CBS Kidshow, Nick Jr. on CBS, KOL Secret Slumber Party, KEWLopolis, Cookie Jar TV, and CBS Dream Team. The Litton-produced block was later renamed CBS WKND.
Television specials
CBS holiday and event specials
CBS has historically broadcast holiday, award, pageant, and animated event programming. Its legacy includes early network runs of Peanuts and Dr. Seuss specials, Garfield productions, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rights to several individual properties later moved to other networks or platforms.
Controversies
2026
DOJ opens Sherman Act antitrust investigation into five TV networks over suspended White House pool coverage
The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division is investigating whether ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News violated the Sherman Act when they coordinated to briefly suspend pooled White House coverage of President Donald Trump after the Trump administration barred CNN from White House grounds. Justice Department officials contacted the five networks on Friday, asking them to provide communications and other materials related to the White House television pool, and the department publicly acknowledged the Sherman Act inquiry on Saturday. The DOJ says it is examining whether the networks' actions amount to an unlawful group boycott; no determination has been made.
2021
Woman files lawsuit against Dr. Phil show and CBS over alleged treatment-center abuse
A 19-year-old Colorado woman filed a lawsuit against the “Dr. Phil” show, CBS and related organizations, alleging that the show and people involved with it misrepresented Turn-About Ranch to her and her family. The article reports allegations in the lawsuit, not a court finding.
2021
CBS and Leslie Moonves settle exit-package dispute
CBS and former CEO Leslie Moonves settled their dispute over his potential exit package. ViacomCBS said the disputes had been resolved; Moonves said he would donate the settlement amount to charity, and the company said it would make no payment.
2020
CBS sues security firm over stolen equipment
CBS filed a federal lawsuit seeking damages from a security firm over the theft of 64 CBS cameras and other equipment during the 2019 PGA Championship. According to the filing, the equipment was stolen while under the security firm's responsibility. CBS's claim is that the firm failed to secure the equipment. The lawsuit seeks damages from the security firm. The alleged failure to protect the equipment is presented as CBS's claim rather than an established finding.
2020
California sues Disney and CBS over harassment claims
California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued The Disney Company and CBS, among others, alleging that employers allowed a cinematographer on Criminal Minds to sexually harass and retaliate against crew members.
2020
Viewers call for a boycott of 60 Minutes after its Gallagher interview
After 60 Minutes aired an interview with Edward Gallagher, viewers criticized the outlet for giving him airtime and called for a boycott of 60 Minutes.
2019
Locast countersues broadcasters over alleged antitrust conduct
In a dispute involving the nonprofit streaming service Locast and several broadcasters, Locast countersued ABC, CBS, Fox and NBCUniversal. According to the source, Locast alleged that the broadcasters engaged in antitrust conduct and colluded to grow their market power. The source reports these allegations but does not establish that any determination has been made. The event is recorded as a controversy note concerning CBS, based solely on the reported claims and without any finding of wrongdoing.
2019
CBS and Survivor producers respond to misconduct controversy
CBS and Survivor producers issued a formal response following Dan Spilo's removal from the show after an incident of unwanted touching involving a production staff member. CBS said it had investigated and removed a player, acknowledged that things could have been done differently, and described changes for future seasons. The article also reports earlier allegations of unwanted touching by contestant Kellee Kim.
2019
CBS sued over alleged gender discrimination and retaliation
An associate producer on CBS’s “60 Minutes” filed a lawsuit against CBS alleging gender discrimination and retaliation after she complained about her boss’s conduct. CBS News said it was reviewing the complaint, would defend against the lawsuit, and denied that retaliation occurred.
2019
Former CBS executive files discrimination lawsuit against CBS
Former CBS programming executive Ghen Maynard filed a lawsuit against CBS alleging age and race discrimination and claiming the network conducted a sham investigation into him.
Brand decisions
2019
Reunite with ViacomM&ABackground
CBS Corporation and Viacom had operated as separate companies since the 2005 split.
Action taken
The companies agreed to merge and formed ViacomCBS.
Aftermath
The combined company was later renamed Paramount Global, with CBS organized within CBS Entertainment Group.
2017
Sell CBS RadioM&ABackground
CBS chose to separate its radio assets from the television-centered CBS business.
Action taken
CBS Radio was sold to Entercom, which later changed its name to Audacy.
Aftermath
CBS ceased direct ownership of radio stations but retained selected news distribution and trademark licensing relationships.
2005
Re-establish CBS CorporationStrategyBackground
Viacom reorganized its assets into two separate publicly traded companies.
Action taken
Broadcast television, radio, and selected entertainment assets were placed in a re-established CBS Corporation.
Aftermath
CBS Corporation operated independently until its 2019 reunion with Viacom.
1994
Westinghouse acquisitionM&ABackground
CBS entered a new ownership phase after decades as primarily an independent company.
Action taken
Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS and later adopted the CBS corporate identity.
Aftermath
The transaction led to the CBS Corporation structure and eventually to CBS’s return under Viacom control.
1971
Spin off the broadcast syndication divisionStrategyBackground
CBS separated its broadcast syndication activities from the main company.
Action taken
The division was spun off as Viacom, creating a separately operated company that later became closely linked with CBS again.
Aftermath
Viacom developed into a major media company and ultimately reunited with CBS in 2019.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Justice Department investigates ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC over suspended Trump pool coverage[5]
The U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement that it is investigating whether the White House TV press pool — a group of broadcasters including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC — violated the Sherman Act by temporarily halting pooled television coverage of President Donald Trump. The pool suspended coverage on Sept. 21 after the White House barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico, and pooled coverage has since resumed. Members of the press pool did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Reported
DOJ investigating whether White House TV pool's coverage halt violated antitrust law[4]
The U.S. Department of Justice said on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, that its Antitrust Division is investigating whether the White House television press pool's decision last month to halt coverage of President Donald Trump violated antitrust law. The pool of five broadcasters (ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX and NBC) ceased presidential coverage after the administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. DOJ spokesperson Emily Covington said group boycotts among business competitors might violate U.S. law and that the division is investigating to determine whether these news organizations violated the antitrust laws; no determination has been made. CNN, MS NOW and Politico had sued over the days-long ban and a judge ordered their access restored. The Committee to Protect Journalists criticized the investigation, saying the government should not use antitrust probes to intimidate news outlets.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
Reported
Woman files lawsuit against Dr. Phil show and CBS over alleged treatment-center abuse[9]
A 19-year-old Colorado woman filed a lawsuit against the “Dr. Phil” show, CBS and related organizations, alleging that the show and people involved with it misrepresented Turn-About Ranch to her and her family. The article reports allegations in the lawsuit, not a court finding.
CBS and the American Red Cross announce donation campaign partnership[17]
CBS announced a partnership with the American Red Cross for a campaign intended to generate donations of blood, time, or money in support of the organization's work.
Reported
CBS and Leslie Moonves settle exit-package dispute[10]
CBS and former CEO Leslie Moonves settled their dispute over his potential exit package. ViacomCBS said the disputes had been resolved; Moonves said he would donate the settlement amount to charity, and the company said it would make no payment.
Reported
CBS unveils evolved brand identity[18]
CBS unveiled an evolved identity intended to unify its branding across divisions and platforms. The updated identity for entertainment programming had debuted on the network that week, with further rollouts planned for other divisions.
Reported
California sues Disney and CBS over harassment claims[11]
California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued The Disney Company and CBS, among others, alleging that employers allowed a cinematographer on Criminal Minds to sexually harass and retaliate against crew members.
Reported
Viewers call for a boycott of 60 Minutes after its Gallagher interview[12]
After 60 Minutes aired an interview with Edward Gallagher, viewers criticized the outlet for giving him airtime and called for a boycott of 60 Minutes.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
CBS sues security firm over stolen equipment[8]
CBS filed a federal lawsuit seeking damages from a security firm over the theft of 64 CBS cameras and other equipment during the 2019 PGA Championship; the alleged failure to secure the equipment is CBS's claim.
Reported
CBS launches CBSN Philly streaming news service[19]
CBS Television Stations and CBS Interactive launched CBSN Philly, a local direct-to-consumer streaming news service featuring anchored news programming, live breaking-news coverage and on-demand local news content.
Sources25 sources
- 1CBSen.wikipedia.org
- 2CBS official websitecbs.com
- 3DOJ opens Sherman Act antitrust investigation into five TV networks over suspended White House pool coveragenewsweek.com
- 4DOJ opens Sherman Act antitrust investigation into five TV networks over suspended White House pool coveragecnbc.com
- 5DOJ opens Sherman Act antitrust investigation into five TV networks over suspended White House pool coveragecnbc.com
- 6DOJ opens Sherman Act antitrust investigation into five TV networks over suspended White House pool coveragenewsone.com
- 7Locast countersues broadcasters over alleged antitrust conductwptv.com
- 8CBS sues security firm over stolen equipmentawfulannouncing.com
- 9Woman files lawsuit against Dr. Phil show and CBS over alleged treatment-center abuseksl.com
- 10CBS and Leslie Moonves settle exit-package disputewinnipegfreepress.com
- 11California sues Disney and CBS over harassment claimsbbc.co.uk
- 12Viewers call for a boycott of 60 Minutes after its Gallagher interviewdailykos.com
- 13CBS and Survivor producers respond to misconduct controversyvulture.com
- 14CBS sued over alleged gender discrimination and retaliationfoxbusiness.com
- 15Former CBS executive files discrimination lawsuit against CBSwashingtonexaminer.com
- 16CBS apologizes over an Amazing Race segment in Vietnaminforum.com
- 17CBS与美国红十字会宣布捐赠活动合作thefutoncritic.com
- 18CBS推出升级后的品牌形象spoilertv.com
- 19CBS推出CBSN Philly流媒体新闻服务nexttv.com
- 20CBS宣布《The Price Is Right》春季黄金时段特别节目thefutoncritic.com
- 21CBS与Hulu达成《CSI》流媒体发行协议nexttv.com
- 22DOJ Investigates Major TV Networks for Trump Coverage Violationoutsidethebeltway.com
- 23Non-profit streaming service Locast sues ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC10news.com
- 24Nonprofit streaming service Locast sues ABC, CBS, Fox and NBCfox17online.com
- 25Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax Sues CBS For Gayle King’s Interview With His Accusersthebeatdfw.com
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