CBS Evening News Expands to 30 Minutes: September 2, 1963

On September 2, 1963, the CBS Evening News made television history by expanding its format from 15 minutes to a full half-hour, becoming the first weekday network television news broadcast to do so. This significant change marked a pivotal moment in broadcast journalism, reflecting both technological advancements and a growing public appetite for in-depth news coverage.

Context and Background

Prior to this expansion, network television news broadcasts were limited to 15-minute segments, a format that had been standard since the 1950s. The shift to a lengthier broadcast format was in part driven by the increasing complexity of world events during the 1960s, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Space Race, and the escalating tensions of the Cold War. Audiences and news producers alike recognized the need for more comprehensive reporting.

Key Factors Leading to the Expansion

1. Technological Advancements:

   • Improvements in broadcast technology and the increasing prevalence of televisions in American homes made longer broadcasts feasible and desirable.

2. Competitive Edge:

   • CBS sought to distinguish itself from rival networks NBC and ABC by providing more thorough news coverage, aiming to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing news audience.

3. Public Demand for Information:

   • The 1960s was characterized by a heightened public interest in national and global events, necessitating more detailed and in-depth reporting to satisfy viewers’ curiosities and informational needs.

Format and Presentation

Walter Cronkite, a renowned journalist known for his integrity and command of the news, anchored the newly lengthened broadcast. Under his stewardship, CBS Evening News aimed to offer not only the day’s headlines but also expanded analysis, context, and interviews with newsmakers.

Aftermath and Significance

The decision by CBS set a new standard in television journalism. It prompted other networks to expand their news broadcasts, leading NBC to follow suit shortly thereafter with the Huntley-Brinkley Report. This change effectively solidified the evening news program as a vital component of the American media landscape.

The expansion also underscored the increasing influence and responsibility of television as a primary source of news, a shift from print journalism that profoundly impacted how news was consumed and understood by the public.

Broader Impact

By providing more time for news, analysis, and features, the CBS Evening News helped shape the future of broadcast journalism. The half-hour format allowed for greater depth and context, ultimately enhancing the ability of viewers to stay informed about complex issues. Walter Cronkite’s role as the anchor further reinforced CBS’s reputation for trustworthy news coverage, earning him the title of “the most trusted man in America.”