CBS

Definition

CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) is a major American commercial broadcast television and radio network that has been a dominant force in the production and distribution of popular entertainment in the United States since the mid-20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CBS was founded in 1927 and grew to become one of the three major national television networks in the United States, along with NBC and ABC.
2. During the Golden Age of Television, CBS was known for producing and airing iconic programs such as I Love Lucy, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Honeymooners.
3. The network's success was built on its ability to vertically integrate, owning both production studios and distribution channels to control the creation and dissemination of popular entertainment.
4. CBS's dominance in the television industry allowed it to shape American culture and influence public opinion through its programming choices and news coverage.
5. The network's focus on producing high-quality, family-friendly content contributed to its widespread popularity and longevity as a major player in the entertainment industry.

Review Questions

• Explain how CBS's vertical integration strategy contributed to its success in the production and distribution of popular entertainment.
  • CBS's vertical integration strategy, where the network owned both production studios and distribution channels, allowed it to exert significant control over the creation and dissemination of popular entertainment content. This business model enabled CBS to streamline the production process, ensure the quality of its programming, and effectively reach a nationwide audience through its network of affiliated local stations. By controlling multiple stages of the entertainment industry value chain, CBS was able to capitalize on economies of scale, maintain a consistent brand identity, and solidify its position as a dominant force in the Golden Age of Television.
• Analyze the impact of CBS's programming choices and news coverage on American culture and public opinion during the network's heyday.
  • As one of the three major national television networks in the United States, CBS wielded immense influence over the cultural landscape and public discourse through its programming decisions and news coverage. The network's focus on producing high-quality, family-friendly content, such as iconic shows like I Love Lucy and The Ed Sullivan Show, helped to shape societal norms and values. Additionally, CBS's news division played a significant role in shaping public opinion on important issues, as the network's news coverage was widely trusted and respected. By controlling the narratives and perspectives presented to its vast audience, CBS was able to exert a powerful influence on American culture and public opinion, contributing to its status as a dominant force in the entertainment industry.
• Evaluate the factors that contributed to CBS's longevity and continued success as a major player in the entertainment industry, particularly in the context of the Prosperity and the Production of Popular Entertainment topic.
  • CBS's longevity and continued success as a major player in the entertainment industry can be attributed to several key factors, particularly in the context of the Prosperity and the Production of Popular Entertainment topic. The network's vertical integration strategy, which allowed it to control the production and distribution of its content, was a significant advantage that enabled it to maintain a consistent brand identity and capitalize on economies of scale. Additionally, CBS's focus on producing high-quality, family-friendly programming that resonated with a wide audience contributed to its widespread popularity and cultural influence. The network's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements, such as the rise of television, further solidified its position as a dominant force in the entertainment industry. By continuously innovating and meeting the evolving demands of its audience, CBS was able to maintain its relevance and success throughout the Prosperity and the Production of Popular Entertainment era.

Related terms

Network Television: A television system in which programming is distributed to multiple affiliated local stations for broadcast, allowing for nationwide reach and shared content.

Golden Age of Television: The period in the 1940s-1950s when television emerged as a major medium, featuring the development of influential and high-quality programming.

Vertical Integration:

A business strategy where a company controls multiple stages of its own production and distribution process, allowing for greater control and efficiency.