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CBS Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: CBS Broadcasting: History, Operations, and Media Impact

Cheat Sheet:
CBS Broadcasting: History, Operations, and Media Impact Study Guide

Founding and Early History (1927-1940s)

The company that eventually became CBS Broadcasting Inc. was founded in 1927 under the name United Independent Broadcasters, Inc.

Answer: True

Explanation: The origins of CBS trace back to United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., a radio network founded in Chicago on January 27, 1927.

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Paramount Pictures maintained a controlling interest in CBS from 1929 until the mid-1940s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paramount Pictures acquired a 49% stake in CBS in 1929 but was compelled by the Great Depression to sell its shares back to the network in 1932, thus not maintaining control until the mid-1940s.

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What was the original name of the company founded in 1927 that eventually became CBS?

Answer: United Independent Broadcasters, Inc.

Explanation: The company that eventually became CBS was originally named United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., founded in 1927.

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Who became president and majority owner of the network, eventually renaming it the Columbia Broadcasting System?

Answer: William S. Paley

Explanation: William S. Paley became president and majority owner of the network, eventually renaming it the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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What was Paramount Pictures' involvement with CBS in the late 1920s and early 1930s?

Answer: They acquired 49% of CBS in 1929 but sold their shares back in 1932.

Explanation: Paramount Pictures acquired a 49% stake in CBS in 1929 but was compelled by the Great Depression to sell its shares back to the network in 1932.

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What was CBS Cable?

Answer: A short-lived attempt by CBS to enter the cable television market.

Explanation: CBS Cable represented an early, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt by the company to enter the cable television market.

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What is the title of William S. Paley's memoir?

Answer: As It Happened

Explanation: William S. Paley's memoir is titled "As It Happened."

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Corporate Evolution and Ownership Changes

As of the provided information, CBS Broadcasting Inc. is the flagship property of which division within Paramount Skydance?

Answer: Paramount Skydance

Explanation: CBS Broadcasting Inc. serves as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division within the Paramount Skydance media conglomerate.

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In what year did CBS officially transition from its full name, Columbia Broadcasting System, to being known simply as CBS, Inc.?

Answer: 1974

Explanation: CBS officially dropped its full name, Columbia Broadcasting System, and became known as CBS, Inc. in 1974.

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Which corporation acquired CBS in 1994?

Answer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Explanation: Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS in 1994, initiating a series of corporate name changes and integrations.

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In 1999, CBS came under the control of Viacom. When did this arrangement end with CBS re-establishing itself as a separate entity?

Answer: 2005

Explanation: The integration of CBS under Viacom concluded in 2005 when Viacom split into two companies, re-establishing CBS Corporation as an independent entity.

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In what year did CBS Radio cease to be directly owned by CBS Corporation, being sold to Entercom (now Audacy, Inc.)?

Answer: 2017

Explanation: CBS Radio ceased direct ownership by CBS Corporation in 2017 when it was sold to Entercom, which is now known as Audacy, Inc.

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As of the provided information, CBS Broadcasting Inc. is the flagship property of which division within Paramount Skydance?

Answer: Paramount Skydance

Explanation: CBS Broadcasting Inc. serves as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division within the Paramount Skydance media conglomerate.

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In what year did CBS officially transition from its full name, Columbia Broadcasting System, to being known simply as CBS, Inc.?

Answer: 1974

Explanation: CBS officially dropped its full name, Columbia Broadcasting System, and became known as CBS, Inc. in 1974.

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Which corporation acquired CBS in 1994?

Answer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Explanation: Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS in 1994, initiating a series of corporate name changes and integrations.

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In 1999, CBS came under the control of Viacom. When did this arrangement end with CBS re-establishing itself as a separate entity?

Answer: 2005

Explanation: The integration of CBS under Viacom concluded in 2005 when Viacom split into two companies, re-establishing CBS Corporation as an independent entity.

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Broadcast Operations, Programming, and Technical Aspects

As of the provided information, approximately how many hours of regularly scheduled network programming does CBS provide per week?

Answer: 87.5 hours

Explanation: As of 2025, CBS provides 87.5 hours of regularly scheduled network programming weekly.

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What are the typical weekday primetime programming hours for CBS in the Eastern and Pacific time zones?

Answer: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Explanation: CBS's weekday primetime programming typically runs from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.

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CBS is distinguished among commercial broadcast networks for its continued airing of which type of daytime programming?

Answer: Daytime game shows

Explanation: CBS maintains the longest daytime schedule among major networks and is the only commercial broadcast network that continues to air daytime game shows.

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The "In the News" segments, produced by CBS News, aired during which period?

Answer: 1971-1986

Explanation: The "In the News" segments, produced by CBS News, were broadcast between 1971 and 1986.

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CBS was the original broadcast home for animated "Peanuts" holiday specials until which network acquired the rights in 2000?

Answer: ABC

Explanation: CBS was the original broadcaster for "Peanuts" holiday specials until ABC acquired the broadcast rights in the year 2000.

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Leonard Bernstein conducted the "Young People's Concerts" series broadcast by CBS during which period?

Answer: 1958-1972

Explanation: Leonard Bernstein conducted the "Young People's Concerts" series, broadcast by CBS, from 1958 to 1972.

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What is the native resolution format for CBS Corporation's master feed?

Answer: 1080i High Definition

Explanation: CBS's master feed is transmitted in 1080i high definition (HDTV).

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In what year did CBS complete its 14-year transition to an entirely high-definition schedule?

Answer: 2014

Explanation: CBS completed its 14-year transition to an entirely high-definition schedule in 2014.

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"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was first aired by CBS in 1966. This was significant as it was one of the first animated specials based on Dr. Seuss's works broadcast by the network. What is the primary reason this special is remembered?

Answer: It was the first Dr. Seuss adaptation aired by CBS

Explanation: While "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was a landmark special, its primary significance in this context is being one of the first, and a highly memorable, Dr. Seuss adaptations aired by CBS.

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What programming format does CBS continue to air in daytime that distinguishes it from other major networks which have largely shifted away from this format?

Answer: Daytime game shows

Explanation: CBS's continuation of airing daytime game shows distinguishes it from other major networks that have largely shifted away from this programming format.

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The "CBS Kidshow" block, which ran from 1998 to 2000, featured programming primarily from which country's studios?

Answer: Canada

Explanation: The "CBS Kidshow" block, which aired from 1998 to 2000, featured programming primarily from the Canadian studio Nelvana.

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The "CBS Dream Team" block primarily featured what type of programming and for which demographic?

Answer: Live-action reality-based series for teenagers

Explanation: The "CBS Dream Team" block featured live-action reality-based lifestyle, wildlife, and sports series primarily aimed at teenagers.

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As of the provided information, approximately how many hours of regularly scheduled network programming does CBS provide per week?

Answer: 87.5 hours

Explanation: As of 2025, CBS provides 87.5 hours of regularly scheduled network programming weekly.

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What programming format does CBS continue to air in daytime that distinguishes it from other major networks which have largely shifted away from this format?

Answer: Daytime game shows

Explanation: CBS's continuation of airing daytime game shows distinguishes it from other major networks that have largely shifted away from this programming format.

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Which of the following long-running game shows is currently part of the CBS daytime lineup?

Answer: The Price Is Right

Explanation: The long-running game show "The Price Is Right" is currently part of the CBS daytime lineup.

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CBS was the original broadcast home for animated "Peanuts" holiday specials until which year before ABC acquired the rights?

Answer: 2000

Explanation: CBS was the original broadcaster for "Peanuts" holiday specials until ABC acquired the broadcast rights in the year 2000.

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What is the native resolution format for CBS Corporation's master feed?

Answer: 1080i High Definition

Explanation: CBS's master feed is transmitted in 1080i high definition (HDTV).

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What was the first major sporting event broadcast by CBS in high-definition?

Answer: An NFL game

Explanation: CBS broadcast the first NFL game in high-definition on November 8, 1998.

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In what year did CBS complete its 14-year transition to an entirely high-definition schedule?

Answer: 2014

Explanation: CBS completed its 14-year transition to an entirely high-definition schedule in 2014.

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The "CBS Kidshow" block, which ran from 1998 to 2000, featured programming primarily from which Canadian studio?

Answer: Nelvana

Explanation: The "CBS Kidshow" block, which aired from 1998 to 2000, featured programming primarily from the Canadian studio Nelvana.

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The "CBS Dream Team" block primarily featured content aimed at which demographic?

Answer: Teenagers (ages 13-16)

Explanation: The "CBS Dream Team" block featured live-action reality-based lifestyle, wildlife, and sports series primarily aimed at teenagers.

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Branding, Logos, and Slogans

The nickname "Eye Network" for CBS originated from:

Answer: The iconic eye logo adopted in 1951

Explanation: The nickname "Eye Network" for CBS directly references its iconic eye logo, which was adopted in 1951 and has become a widely recognized symbol.

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From which CBS program was the music for the 1973-1990 "A CBS Special Presentation" opening sequence derived?

Answer: Hawaii Five-O

Explanation: The music used for the "A CBS Special Presentation" opening sequence between 1973 and 1990 was derived from incidental music from the CBS crime drama "Hawaii Five-O."

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The initial CBS logo, used prior to the iconic "Eye" device, featured:

Answer: An oval spotlight shining on the letters "CBS"

Explanation: The initial CBS logo, used from the 1940s until 1951, featured an oval spotlight shining on the block letters "CBS."

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The iconic CBS Eye device logo was designed by William Golden and first aired in:

Answer: 1951

Explanation: The iconic CBS Eye device logo, conceived by William Golden, made its broadcast debut on October 20, 1951.

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"We've Got the Touch" was a prominent CBS image campaign slogan used during which period?

Answer: Mid-1980s

Explanation: "We've Got the Touch" was a prominent CBS image campaign slogan used from 1983 to 1986.

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The 1989-1990 campaign "Get Ready for CBS" marked the first time CBS partnered with a national retailer for a promotional campaign. Which retailer was it?

Answer: Kmart

Explanation: The 1989-1990 "Get Ready for CBS" campaign was notable for being the first time CBS partnered with a national retailer, Kmart.

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Which of the following slogans were notably used by CBS during its rating resurgence in the 2000s?

Answer: "Everybody's Watching" and "Only CBS"

Explanation: During its rating resurgence in the 2000s, CBS notably used slogans such as "Everybody's Watching" and "Only CBS."

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What were the key components of the CBS rebranding announced in October 2020?

Answer: A five-note sound trademark and a "deconstructed eye" motif

Explanation: The CBS rebranding announced in October 2020 included a new five-note sound trademark and a redesigned "deconstructed eye" motif.

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The nickname "Tiffany Network" for CBS primarily refers to:

Answer: The perceived high quality of its programming and early color TV demonstrations

Explanation: The nickname "Tiffany Network" for CBS alluded to the perceived high quality of its programming and its early demonstrations of color television.

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The music for the "A CBS Special Presentation" opening sequence (1973-1990) was derived from incidental music from which CBS crime drama?

Answer: Hawaii Five-O

Explanation: The music for the "A CBS Special Presentation" opening sequence (1973-1990) was derived from incidental music from the CBS crime drama "Hawaii Five-O."

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The nickname "Tiffany Network" for CBS primarily refers to:

Answer: The perceived high quality of its programming and early color TV demonstrations

Explanation: The nickname "Tiffany Network" for CBS alluded to the perceived high quality of its programming and its early demonstrations of color television.

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The music for the "A CBS Special Presentation" opening sequence (1973-1990) was derived from incidental music from which CBS crime drama?

Answer: Hawaii Five-O

Explanation: The music used for the "A CBS Special Presentation" opening sequence between 1973 and 1990 was derived from incidental music from the CBS crime drama "Hawaii Five-O."

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The iconic CBS Eye device logo, which debuted in 1951, was designed by:

Answer: William Golden

Explanation: The iconic CBS Eye device logo, conceived by William Golden, made its broadcast debut on October 20, 1951.

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Which of the following was a slogan used in a CBS image campaign during the 1980s?

Answer: "We've Got the Touch"

Explanation: "We've Got the Touch" was a prominent CBS image campaign slogan used from 1983 to 1986.

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The "CBS/Kmart Get Ready Giveaway" was part of the campaign for which television season?

Answer: 1989-1990

Explanation: The "CBS/Kmart Get Ready Giveaway" was part of the campaign for the 1989-1990 television season.

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Digital Transformation and Streaming

In what year was CBS All Access, the precursor to Paramount+, launched?

Answer: 2014

Explanation: CBS launched its subscription streaming service, CBS All Access, on October 28, 2014.

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How did CBS's policy regarding the availability of recent episodes on its own streaming app differ from its policy for Hulu?

Answer: CBS provided episodes on its own app eight days after broadcast, unlike its policy for Hulu.

Explanation: CBS uniquely did not provide recent episodes on Hulu, citing concerns about viewership cannibalization, but did make them available on its own streaming app eight days after broadcast.

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The streaming service originally known as CBS All Access was later rebranded as:

Answer: Paramount+

Explanation: The streaming service originally launched as CBS All Access was subsequently rebranded as Paramount+.

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CBS launched its subscription streaming service, initially called CBS All Access, in what year?

Answer: 2014

Explanation: CBS launched its subscription streaming service, CBS All Access, on October 28, 2014.

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What was significant about the launch of CBS All Access?

Answer: It was the first over-the-top (OTT) service launched by a U.S. broadcast television network.

Explanation: CBS All Access was significant as it marked the first over-the-top (OTT) service launched by a U.S. broadcast television network.

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How did CBS's policy regarding the availability of recent episodes on its own streaming app differ from its policy for Hulu?

Answer: CBS provided episodes on its own app eight days after broadcast, unlike its policy for Hulu.

Explanation: CBS uniquely did not provide recent episodes on Hulu, citing concerns about viewership cannibalization, but did make them available on its own streaming app eight days after broadcast.

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The streaming service originally known as CBS All Access was later rebranded as:

Answer: Paramount+

Explanation: The streaming service originally launched as CBS All Access was subsequently rebranded as Paramount+.

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Corporate Identity and Structure

Where are CBS's primary headquarters located?

Answer: New York City, New York

Explanation: CBS is headquartered at the CBS Building in New York City, New York.

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Approximately how many television stations does CBS have affiliation agreements with, and what is its approximate national household reach?

Answer: 228 stations, reaching nearly 96% of U.S. households

Explanation: CBS has affiliation agreements with approximately 228 television stations, providing it with a national reach of nearly 96% of U.S. households.

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Which company operates the largest number of CBS affiliates numerically?

Answer: Nexstar Media Group

Explanation: Nexstar Media Group operates the largest number of CBS affiliates numerically, owning 49 stations.

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Where are CBS's primary headquarters located?

Answer: New York City, New York

Explanation: CBS is headquartered at the CBS Building in New York City, New York.

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