NEW YORK (Diya TV) — CBS News announced Friday that it will lay off about 6% of its workforce and shut down its long-running CBS News Radio service, marking a major shift in strategy as the organization adapts to a rapidly changing media landscape. The cuts will affect dozens of employees. CBS News currently employs about 1,100 people. Executives described the decision as difficult but necessary to reallocate resources and invest in future growth areas.
In a memo to staff, editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski said the layoffs reflect a broader transformation within the news division.
“These are very hard choices, and today is a difficult day,” they wrote.
They said the news business is changing quickly. Audiences are moving to new platforms. CBS News plans to follow those audiences and grow its digital presence.
“It’s no secret that the news business is changing radically,” the memo said. “We need to change along with it.”
The executives stressed that some parts of the newsroom must shrink so others can grow. They aim to build a more competitive and modern news operation.
About an hour after the first memo, executives announced another major change. CBS News Radio will shut down on May 22 after nearly 100 years on the air. Leaders said the decision came after careful review. They cited declining revenue and changes in radio programming strategies.
“While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,” the memo said.
The radio network has struggled financially in recent years. According to a source familiar with the situation, it generated very little revenue. Executives explored options to save it, but could not find a sustainable path forward. Staff members will continue to operate the network until its final broadcast in May. Leaders acknowledged that the coming weeks will be difficult for those employees.
This is the second round of layoffs at CBS News since David Ellison took control of Paramount last summer. The earlier cuts in October affected several departments, including streaming and radio. However, this round reflects Bari Weiss’s vision more directly. She joined CBS News in October after being appointed by Ellison.
Since her arrival, Weiss has focused on modernizing the newsroom. She has raised concerns about outdated operations and low staff morale. She has also pointed to resistance to change within parts of the organization. The current overhaul aims to address those issues. Leadership wants to streamline operations and invest in areas with stronger growth potential.
CBS News is not alone in making cuts. Many media organizations have reduced staff in recent years. The industry faces pressure from declining traditional revenue and shifting audience habits. Digital platforms now dominate how people consume news. Social media, streaming services, and mobile apps attract larger audiences than traditional formats like radio. CBS News leaders said they must adapt to stay relevant. They plan to focus on reaching audiences where they already are.
Employees affected by the layoffs will receive notice by the end of the day, according to the memo. Leadership said the company will treat them with care and respect. The executives also recognized the challenges of delivering news during a demanding cycle. They thanked the staff for their continued efforts and professionalism.
“This organization is working its heart out to deliver for our audience,” the memo said.
Further changes may come in the months ahead. Some talent contracts will expire soon, which could lead to additional shifts in staffing and programming. For now, CBS News is entering a period of transition. The layoffs and the shutdown of CBS News Radio mark a significant turning point.
