CBS

CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) is a major television network and radio broadcaster in the United States. One of the pioneer radio networks, from its earliest days CBS established a reputation for quality; prior to the fracturing of the market under cable television, CBS's television network was one of three which dominated broadcasting in the United States.

Some Criticisms

As an indutrial power in technology-driven businesses, Westinghouse was accused over the years of violating various environmental laws. Such was the company's reputation in some quarters that an exagerated claim was made on the comedy-show Saturday Night Live that Westinghouse was guilty of dumping nuclear waste in playgrounds.

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In 2004 the FCC imposed a record $550,000 fine on CBS for its broadcast of a Super Bowl half-time show (produced by sister-unit MTV) in which singer Janet Jackson's breast was briefly exposed. It was the largest fine ever for a violation of federal decency laws. Following the incident CBS apologized to its viewers and denied foreknowledge of the event, which was broadcast live.

Related Topics:
2004 - Super Bowl - Janet Jackson

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CBS suffered another embarrassment in September of that year, when the network aired a controversial episode of its newsmagazine, 60 Minutes, which questioned U.S. President George W. Bush's service in the National Guard. Later, it was revealed that the documents CBS used were forged. CBS News eventually acknowledged that it could not verify the authenticity of the documents it obtained, although it maintains the other overall findings in relation to Bush's military service. The following January, CBS fired four people connected to the preparation of this news-segment. CBS Evening News anchor and 60 Minutes reporter Dan Rather resigned before the announcement of these firings, though he claimed that his decision had been made prior to the forged-documents matter.

Related Topics:
Newsmagazine - 60 Minutes - U.S. President - George W. Bush - National Guard - Forged - CBS Evening News - Dan Rather

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