CBS Corporation is a leading American commercial broadcasting and media conglomerate, best known for its flagship CBS Television Network, one of the nation’s three major broadcast networks. The company’s core operations encompass free‐to‐air television, radio broadcasting, and premium cable channels, alongside digital platforms that distribute news, entertainment, and sports content. Through its broad portfolio of linear and streaming services, CBS reaches millions of viewers each day with scripted dramas, comedies, reality series, live sports, and daily news programs.
Founded in 1927 as the Columbia Phonograph Broadcasting System, CBS began as a national radio network before expanding into television in the 1940s. The network quickly established itself as an industry innovator, airing landmark programs and pioneering new formats in news and entertainment. Over the decades, CBS has undergone several corporate reorganizations, including a merger with Viacom in 1999, a separation in 2006 into independent CBS and Viacom entities, and a remerger with Viacom in 2019 to form the current Paramount Global umbrella. These strategic moves have shaped CBS’s position in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Today, CBS’s business activities span multiple platforms and audiences. Its broadcast division comprises more than 200 owned and affiliated television stations across the United States, while its radio network operates dozens of stations offering news, talk, and music programming. On the cable side, CBS controls premium brands such as Showtime and a suite of multiplex channels, which cater to niche audiences in drama, documentary, and comedy genres. Complementing these linear offerings, the company’s digital arm manages subscription streaming services, including the CBS All Access platform, which features original series, live sports, and an expansive on‐demand library.
Headquartered in New York City, CBS maintains a global distribution network that licenses programming to international broadcasters and digital partners, reaching audiences in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer George Cheeks, the company continues to invest in original content development, technology upgrades for broadcast and streaming delivery, and strategic partnerships to extend its footprint. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, CBS remains a prominent force in shaping the future of media and entertainment.
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