An iconic radio station is signing off for good after nearly six decades of broadcasting. WCBS NewsRadio 880, known for delivering news, traffic updates, and weather reports to New York City, will end its all-news format later this month.
Audacy, the parent company of WCBS, announced the decision, stating they would transition the station to ESPN New York under the new call letters WHSQ, pending FCC approval. This change is set to take effect on August 26.
Launched in 1967, WCBS earned its reputation with its slogan "Traffic and Weather Together on the 8s," making it a go-to source for commuters and locals alike. Chris Oliviero, Audacy's New York market president, acknowledged the challenges faced by local journalism, which have prompted the shift.
Oliviero reflected on the unique position of New York, which historically supported two all-news radio brands. He added, "The news business has gone through significant changes, making it necessary to rethink how we deliver news efficiently."
Listeners have expressed disappointment over the closure, often citing WCBS as a trusted source of information amid rising polarization and misinformation. The station will host a live special commemorative event titled "WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events That Shaped Our Lives" on August 22, 2024.
Members of the Writers Guild of America East also voiced their devastation, reporting the layoffs of 23 staff members due to the shutdown. The union criticized Audacy for depriving the public of access to local news, particularly during this election year.
"This is a giant loss for New York City and the news industry at large," the guild stated. They emphasized the importance of local news perspectives and the negative impact of corporate consolidation on journalism.
Despite some opposition, Good Karma Brands, which operates ESPN New York, is optimistic about the station's potential. Market manager Vinny DiMarco noted, "We are excited to add the iconic 880 AM signal to ESPN New York, ensuring even more extensive coverage for our fans."
Former CBS News Radio VP Harvey Nagler commented on the decision, attributing the programming choices to the management's lack of foresight. He cautioned against merely blaming the changing times and stressed the importance of local journalism.
He remarked, "WCBS was respected and loved, and to see it go away is very sad." The closure has sparked reflections from long-time listeners who have grown up with the station, sharing their memories and experiences.
Lou Paskalis, chief strategy officer at Ad Fontes Media, highlighted the broader trend of diminishing local news sources across the country. He noted, "Local, ad-supported news platforms are disappearing at the rate of two per week, denying millions access to high-quality journalism."
The demise of WCBS 880 raises serious questions about the future of local news coverage. Audacy's adjustment to focus solely on WINS-AM suggests they are repositioning to maintain their foothold within the all-news radio space.
Listeners and industry veterans alike are anticipating the changes and mourning the end of what was not just a radio station, but also part of New York City's cultural fabric. The significance of WCBS's legacy is invaluable to many, with its array of dedicated journalists having shaped the city's news narrative for decades.
Even as the station takes on a new identity, the discussions surrounding its closure highlight the fragile state of local journalism. The case of WCBS 880 serves as both a reminder and a warning about the shifting dynamics within the media industry.
With the upcoming special, there will be opportunities to celebrate and reflect on the station's impactful history before it transitions to ESPN. The loss of WCBS may signal the end of an era, but its influence will linger within the memories of the many who relied on it for news throughout their daily lives.