Ratings at CBS O&Os in the largest markets and at affiliates where it counts have lagged for decades. With a few exceptions, ABC and NBC just have stronger large market stations. The gutting of CBS on the news side started under Larry Tisch and has been a running theme for 30+ years. The Great FOX Station Swap of ‘94-‘95 only made things worse. Channel 62 in Detroit, anyone? When it comes to news, CBSViacom, er Paramount, either has to fix it, sell it, or close it. A perennially third-place product means it you’re forever doing just enough to stay afloat, throwing evening news talent overboard, tightening every budget screw so you don’t sink. But it’s exhausting and no way to live.
