I’m a radio nerd and a news guy, so some of you may not be interested in this, but if you are, read on! I am saddened by the loss of CBS Radio News, even though I actually lost it years ago when WDEF-AM radio signed off. Back in my morning radio days, I would listen to the CBS top-of-the-hour newscast at 5 am, because in a mere five minutes I could learn what was happening in the world. Even when I was on the radio, I would catch Charles Osgood’s newscasts at 7 and 9 am, because he could do it all: deliver the news, and finish with a smile. He was one of the greatest writers and readers of news I ever heard. On my way home, and late into the evening, Douglas Edwards delivered the news. Best voice ever. On weekends, and on special events, Christopher Glen (deepest voice ever) was amazing. And there were so many others. Of course now, CBS News is a shell of what it once was, and radio has struggled to compete with our audio alternatives. But I am forever grateful that CBS Radio News was among my strongest influences. Even today on my local TV newscasts, if I do something well, I’m mirroring what I learned from the greatest radio newscasters of all time. CBS Radio News is no longer on the airwaves, but it is embedded deep within me.
