What is the common abbreviation for CBS Broadcasting Inc., and what was its original full name?

CBS Broadcasting Inc. is commonly known as CBS, which is an abbreviation of its original name, the Columbia Broadcasting System. This name reflects its historical roots in the broadcasting industry.

What type of media company is CBS Broadcasting Inc. today, and what is its current position within Paramount Skydance?

CBS Broadcasting Inc. is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network. It serves as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division of Paramount Skydance, following a significant merger in 2025.

Where is CBS headquartered, and what are its major production facilities?

CBS is headquartered at the CBS Building in New York City. It also maintains major production facilities at the CBS Broadcast Center and One Astor Plaza, both also located in New York City, as well as Television City and the CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles.

What are the two nicknames associated with CBS, and what do they signify?

CBS is known as the "Eye Network," referencing its iconic eye logo adopted in 1951. It is also called the "Tiffany Network," a nickname that alludes to the perceived high quality of its programming, particularly during William S. Paley's tenure, and its early demonstrations of color television.

What were the origins of the CBS network, and who were its key early figures?

The origins of CBS trace back to United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., a radio network founded in Chicago by talent agent Arthur Judson on January 27, 1927. The Columbia Phonograph Company invested in the network, rebranding it as the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System (CPBS). Later, William S. Paley became president and majority owner, eventually renaming it the Columbia Broadcasting System.

How did Paramount Pictures' involvement with CBS evolve in the late 1920s and early 1930s?

Paramount Pictures acquired 49% of CBS in 1929. However, due to the financial pressures of the Great Depression, the studio was forced to sell its shares back to the network in 1932, allowing CBS to operate independently for many subsequent decades.

When did CBS officially change its name from Columbia Broadcasting System to CBS, Inc.?

CBS dropped its original full name and became known simply as CBS, Inc. in 1974, reflecting a simplification of its corporate identity.

Which major corporation acquired CBS in 1994, and what name changes followed?

Westinghouse Electric Corporation acquired CBS in 1994. Westinghouse subsequently renamed its legal entity to CBS Broadcasting Inc. two years later and then adopted the name CBS Corporation in 1997.

Describe the corporate relationship between CBS and Viacom in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In 1999, CBS came under the control of the original incarnation of Viacom, which had been spun off from CBS in 1971. This arrangement lasted until 2005 when Viacom split into two companies, re-establishing CBS Corporation as a separate entity with the CBS network at its core.

What is the total number of regularly scheduled network programming hours provided by CBS each week?

As of 2025, CBS provides 87.5 hours of regularly scheduled network programming per week, covering a wide range of dayparts.

What are the primetime programming hours for CBS on weekdays and weekends?

CBS provides 22 hours of primetime programming to its affiliated stations. This includes Monday through Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.

What is notable about CBS's daytime schedule compared to other major networks?

CBS has the longest daytime schedule among the major networks, lasting 4.5 hours. It is also the only commercial broadcast network that continues to air daytime game shows.

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

Currently, the CBS daytime lineup features the long-running game show "The Price Is Right," hosted by Drew Carey since 2007, and the current incarnation of "Let's Make a Deal," hosted by Wayne Brady.

What are some of the classic game shows that previously aired on CBS's daytime schedule?

CBS's daytime lineup has historically included popular game shows such as "Match Game," "Tattletales," "The $10,000 Pyramid," "Press Your Luck," "Card Sharks," "Family Feud," and "Wheel of Fortune."

How many daytime soap operas does CBS air, and what are their titles?

CBS Daytime airs three daytime soap operas each weekday: the hour-long "The Young and the Restless," the half-hour "The Bold and the Beautiful," and the hour-long "Beyond the Gates."

What was the significance of the "In the News" segments produced by CBS News?

From 1971 to 1986, CBS News produced "In the News," a series of one-minute segments that aired between other Saturday morning programs, providing brief informational content.

Which animated holiday specials were originally broadcast by CBS, and which network later acquired their rights?

CBS was the original broadcast home for animated primetime holiday specials based on the "Peanuts" comic strip, starting with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in 1965. Over 30 "Peanuts" specials aired on CBS until 2000, when ABC acquired the broadcast rights.

What was the distinctive opening sequence used for CBS specials between 1973 and 1990?

From 1973 to 1990, CBS specials featured a seven-second animated opening sequence displaying "A CBS Special Presentation" in colorful lettering, accompanied by a fanfare derived from the CBS crime drama "Hawaii Five-O."

What classical music series did CBS broadcast between 1958 and 1972, and who conducted it?

CBS aired the "Young People's Concerts" series, conducted by Leonard Bernstein, between 1958 and 1972. These programs introduced classical music to millions of children through Bernstein's commentaries.

What was the CBS television network's initial logo design before the adoption of the Eye device?

The CBS television network's initial logo, used from the 1940s to 1951, featured an oval spotlight shining on the block letters "CBS."

Who designed the iconic CBS Eye device logo, and when did it first air?

The iconic CBS Eye device logo was conceived by William Golden and made its broadcast debut on October 20, 1951. It has since become a widely recognized symbol and has never been redesigned.

What were some of the notable image campaigns CBS developed in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, CBS developed several notable image campaigns, including "Reach for the Stars" (1981-82), "Great Moments" (1982), "We've Got the Touch" (1983-1986), "Share the Spirit of CBS" (1986-1987), "CBS Spirit" (1987-1988), and "Television You Can Feel" (1988-1989).

What was the slogan for the 1989-1990 season campaign, and what unique partnership did it involve?

The slogan for the 1989-1990 season campaign was "Get Ready for CBS." This campaign involved CBS becoming the first broadcast network to partner with a national retailer, Kmart, for the "CBS/Kmart Get Ready Giveaway."

What were the slogans used by CBS during its rating resurgence in the 2000s?

During its rating resurgence in the 2000s, CBS used slogans such as "It's All Here," "Everybody's Watching" (introduced in 2005), "We Are CBS" (2006), and "Only CBS" (2009). In 2011, "America's Most Watched Network" was reintroduced alongside "Only CBS."

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

The CBS rebranding announced in October 2020 included a "deconstructed eye" motif using individual shapes of the eyemark and a five-note sound trademark developed by Antfood, phonetically resembling the "This is CBS" slogan, aiming for more unified branding across platforms.

How many owned-and-operated stations does CBS maintain, and what is its approximate national household reach?

CBS maintains 15 owned-and-operated stations and has affiliation agreements with an additional 228 television stations. The network has a national reach of approximately 95.96% of U.S. households with television sets.

Which company operates the largest number of CBS affiliates, and which has the largest market reach?

Nexstar Media Group operates the largest number of CBS affiliates numerically, owning 49. Tegna Media, however, operates the largest number of CBS stations in terms of overall market reach, with 15 stations serving major markets.

When did CBS launch its subscription streaming service, CBS All Access, and what was its initial pricing structure?

CBS launched its subscription streaming service, CBS All Access, on October 28, 2014. It was initially priced at $5.99 per month, with a $9.99 per month option that included no commercials.

What was the significance of CBS All Access being the first OTT offering by a U.S. broadcast television network?

CBS All Access was significant as the first over-the-top (OTT) service launched by a U.S. broadcast television network. It encompassed the network's existing streaming portal and mobile app, expanding its digital presence.

What was the policy regarding the availability of recent episodes on CBS's streaming app in relation to Hulu?

CBS was unique among major broadcast networks for not providing recent episodes on Hulu, citing concerns about cannibalizing viewership. However, it did allow recent episodes to be available on its own streaming app eight days after their initial broadcast.

What was the native resolution format for CBS Corporation's television properties, and how has this evolved?

CBS's master feed is transmitted in 1080i high definition (HDTV). While most affiliates now broadcast in HD, a few initially transmitted in 720p HD or 480i standard definition due to technical considerations or equipment upgrades.

When did CBS begin its conversion to high definition, and what was the first major sporting event broadcast in HD by the network?

CBS began its conversion to high definition with the launch of its simulcast feed, CBS HD, in September 1998. That year, CBS aired the first NFL game broadcast in high-definition, the New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills game on November 8.

When did CBS complete its transition to an entirely high-definition schedule, and what were the last programs to convert?

CBS completed its 14-year conversion to an entirely high-definition schedule in 2014. The final two series to convert from 4:3 standard definition to HD were "Big Brother" and "Let's Make a Deal."

What was the CBS television network's initial logo design, and when was the iconic "Eye" device introduced?

The CBS television network's initial logo, used from the 1940s to 1951, featured an oval spotlight shining on the letters "CBS." The iconic "Eye" device, conceived by William Golden, made its broadcast debut on October 20, 1951.

What was the "Gay Power, Gay Politics" episode of "CBS Reports" accused of, and what was the finding of the National News Council?

The "Gay Power, Gay Politics" episode, aired in 1980, was accused of purposeful misrepresentation and propagating misinformation about the LGBTQ community in San Francisco. Six months after its airing, the National News Council found that CBS had violated journalistic standards in airing the program.

What controversy arose in 1995 when CBS refused to air a "60 Minutes" segment?

In 1995, CBS refused to air a "60 Minutes" segment featuring an interview with a former research and development president for Brown & Williamson, a tobacco company. This decision raised questions about journalistic integrity amidst legal pressures and threats, and it served as the basis for the film "The Insider."

What was the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, and what was the FCC's response?

The Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy involved the brief, accidental exposure of Janet Jackson's breast during a performance with Justin Timberlake. In response, the FCC imposed a record $550,000 fine on CBS, which was later annulled by a Philadelphia federal court in 2008 as "arbitrary and capricious."

What was the Killian documents controversy involving CBS?

The Killian documents controversy occurred in 2004 when CBS aired "60 Minutes Wednesday" segments questioning President George W. Bush's Air National Guard service using documents later alleged to be forgeries. CBS News admitted the documents were not properly authenticated, leading to the firing of four individuals involved in the segment's preparation.

What was the CNET "Best in Show" award controversy in 2013?

In 2013, CNET, owned by CBS Interactive, disqualified Dish Network's "Hopper with Sling" from its "Best in Show" award due to CBS's ongoing litigation with Dish over its AutoHop technology. This action led to CNET no longer deciding the award and prompted the resignation of a senior writer due to the conflict of interest.

What harassment allegations led to the resignation of CBS CEO Les Moonves in September 2018?

In July and September 2018, articles in "The New Yorker" detailed claims from numerous current and former CBS employees describing harassment and gender discrimination. Six women accused Les Moonves of harassment and intimidation, leading to negotiations for his departure and his eventual resignation as chief executive on September 9, 2018.

What alleged capitulation to the Donald Trump administration led to criticism of CBS in 2025?

In 2025, CBS faced criticism for allegedly capitulating to the second Donald Trump administration, potentially to gain federal approval for the Skydance-Paramount merger. This included the resignation of a "60 Minutes" editor citing a loss of control and the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" shortly after Colbert's critical remarks about a payment to the Trump administration.

Who served as President of CBS Entertainment from 1970 to 1975?

Fred Silverman served as President of CBS Entertainment from 1970 to 1975.

Who has held the position of President of CBS Entertainment since 2022?

Amy Reisenbach has held the position of President of CBS Entertainment since 2022.

What is CBS Cable, and what was its significance?

CBS Cable was the company's early, though ultimately abortive, foray into cable broadcasting, representing an initial attempt to expand beyond traditional over-the-air television.

What is the title of William S. Paley's memoir, and what does it offer?

William S. Paley's memoir is titled "As It Happened." It provides personal insights into his life and career, including his role in building CBS into a major broadcasting empire.

What is the official website for CBS?

The official website for CBS is cbs.com.

What international authority control databases are listed for CBS?

The international authority control databases listed for CBS include ISNI, VIAF, and GND (German National Library).

What was the original name of the streaming service that was later rebranded as Paramount+?

The streaming service that was later rebranded as Paramount+ was originally known as CBS All Access.

What was the purpose of the "Tiffany Network" nickname for CBS?

The nickname "Tiffany Network" for CBS alluded to the perceived high quality of its programming during William S. Paley's leadership and also referenced the network's early demonstrations of color television held in the Tiffany and Company Building.

When did CBS Radio cease to be directly owned by CBS Corporation?

CBS Radio ceased to be directly owned by CBS Corporation in 2017 when it was sold to Entercom, now known as Audacy, Inc.

What was the first animated special based on Dr. Seuss's work aired by CBS?

CBS aired "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" in 1966, which was one of the first animated specials based on Dr. Seuss's works broadcast by the network.

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A Storied History

Radio Origins

CBS traces its origins to United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., founded in Chicago by talent agent Arthur Judson on January 27, 1927. The Columbia Phonograph Company invested, leading to its rebranding as the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System (CPBS). By 1928, William S. Paley became president and majority owner, eventually leading the company to become a dominant force in radio.

Television Ascendancy

CBS ventured into television in the 1940s, becoming one of the foundational "Big Three" American broadcast networks. Under Paley's leadership, it established a reputation for quality programming, earning nicknames like the "Eye Network" and the "Tiffany Network."

Corporate Evolution

The company underwent significant corporate transformations, including spin-offs like Viacom in 1971. It was acquired by Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1994, which subsequently renamed itself CBS Corporation. Further mergers and splits with Viacom occurred, culminating in the 2019 re-merger into ViacomCBS, later renamed Paramount Global. CBS remains a flagship property within this evolving media landscape.

Diverse Programming Landscape

Primetime & News

CBS delivers approximately 22 hours of primetime programming weekly, alongside extensive news coverage. Key news programs include CBS Mornings, CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, and the long-standing investigative news magazine 60 Minutes.

Daytime Dominance

The network is distinguished by its lengthy daytime schedule, featuring enduring game shows like The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal, and popular soap operas such as The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. It remains the only major network to continue broadcasting daytime game shows.

Sports & Specials

CBS Sports provides coverage of major events from the NFL, PGA, and NCAA. The network also has a rich history of broadcasting notable specials, including animated holiday classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, classical music programs led by Leonard Bernstein, and iconic musical productions such as Cinderella.

Children's Programming Evolution

CBS's children's programming has evolved significantly, from Captain Kangaroo to partnerships with Nelvana, Nickelodeon, DIC Entertainment, and Litton Entertainment, adapting to changing demographics and content trends over the decades.

National Reach and Affiliations

Extensive Network

CBS maintains affiliation agreements with hundreds of television stations across all 50 U.S. states, plus territories and select international locations. This broad reach ensures its programming is accessible to approximately 95.96% of American households.

Affiliate Landscape

Major media groups like Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, Inc. operate a significant number of CBS affiliates, contributing to the network's widespread presence. The network also utilizes low-power stations and subchannel affiliations to maximize coverage.

Digital and Streaming Services

Video-on-Demand

CBS provides extensive video-on-demand access through its website (CBS.com), dedicated mobile apps, and partnerships with major streaming platforms like Amazon Video and Netflix. This allows viewers to access current and past episodes across various devices.

Paramount+ Integration

Originally launched as CBS All Access, Paramount+ serves as the network's primary over-the-top subscription streaming service. It offers a vast library of CBS content, live affiliate streams, and original programming, integrating content from across the broader Paramount Global portfolio.

High-Definition Broadcast

CBS broadcasts its primary feed in 1080i high definition, having completed its transition to an entirely HD schedule by 2014. This commitment to high-definition ensures a premium viewing experience for its audience.

Iconic Branding and Campaigns

The CBS Eye

Introduced in 1951, the CBS Eye logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in broadcasting. Designed by William Golden, it has remained largely unchanged, symbolizing the network's enduring presence and identity.

Memorable Campaigns

Throughout its history, CBS has utilized impactful image campaigns and slogans, such as "We've Got the Touch" (1980s), "Welcome Home" (late 1990s), and "Everybody's Watching" (2000s), to define its brand and connect with viewers.

Modern Rebranding

In 2020, CBS underwent a significant rebranding initiative, introducing a "deconstructed eye" motif and a distinctive five-note sound trademark to foster unified brand awareness across its diverse platforms and divisions.

Navigating Controversies

Content and Ethics

CBS has faced scrutiny over various content-related controversies, including the 1980 documentary "Gay Power, Gay Politics," the refusal to air a tobacco industry whistleblower interview for 60 Minutes, and the 2004 Killian documents controversy impacting political coverage.

Broadcast Standards

The network was involved in the significant Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy in 2004, leading to discussions on broadcast indecency and FCC regulations. Additionally, a dispute over Dish Network's "Hopper" technology highlighted conflicts between content providers and distributors.

Workplace and Political Allegations

CBS has addressed allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination, notably leading to the resignation of CEO Les Moonves in 2018. More recently, decisions regarding programming, such as the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, have been subject to speculation regarding political pressures and the network's business interests.

Leadership Evolution

Presidents of CBS Entertainment

The leadership of CBS Entertainment has seen numerous influential figures guide the network's creative and business strategies. From Arthur Judson and William S. Paley in the early days to modern leaders like Nina Tassler and Amy Reisenbach, these executives have shaped CBS's programming and market position.

Presidents of CBS Entertainment
Executive	Term
Arthur Judson	1927–1928
William S. Paley	1928–1946
Frank Stanton	1946–1971
Louis Cowan	1957–1959
James Thomas Aubrey	1959–1965
Michael Dann	1963–1970
Fred Silverman	1970–1975
Arthur R. Taylor	1972–1976
John Backe	1976–1980
B. Donald Grant	1980–1987
Kim LeMasters	1987–1990
Jeff Sagansky	1990–1994
Peter Tortorici	1994–1995
Leslie Moonves	1995–1998
Nancy Tellem	1998–2004
Nina Tassler	2004–2015
Glenn Geller	2015–2017
Kelly Kahl	2017–2022
Amy Reisenbach	2022–present

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References

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CBS: A Broadcast Legacy

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A Storied History ⏳

📻 Radio Origins

📺 Television Ascendancy

🏢 Corporate Evolution

Diverse Programming Landscape 🎬

🌃 Primetime & News

☀️ Daytime Dominance

🏆 Sports & Specials

🧒 Children's Programming Evolution

National Reach and Affiliations 📍

🌐 Extensive Network

🤝 Affiliate Landscape

Digital and Streaming Services 💻

▶️ Video-on-Demand

⭐ Paramount+ Integration

✨ High-Definition Broadcast

Iconic Branding and Campaigns 🌟

👁️ The CBS Eye

🎶 Memorable Campaigns

🔊 Modern Rebranding

Navigating Controversies ⚠️

📰 Content and Ethics

💥 Broadcast Standards

⚖️ Workplace and Political Allegations

Leadership Evolution 👑

🧑‍💼 Presidents of CBS Entertainment

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Storied History

Radio Origins

Television Ascendancy

Corporate Evolution

Diverse Programming Landscape

Primetime & News

Daytime Dominance

Sports & Specials

Children's Programming Evolution

National Reach and Affiliations

Extensive Network

Affiliate Landscape

Digital and Streaming Services

Video-on-Demand

Paramount+ Integration

High-Definition Broadcast

Iconic Branding and Campaigns

The CBS Eye

Memorable Campaigns

Modern Rebranding

Navigating Controversies

Content and Ethics

Broadcast Standards

Workplace and Political Allegations

Leadership Evolution

Presidents of CBS Entertainment

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice