Late Night Hosts Unite in Support of Stephen Colbert

CBS, originally founded in 1927 as the Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American media company known primarily for its commercial broadcasting, television production, and publishing activities. It began as a radio network established by talent agent Arthur Judson but was soon acquired by William S. Paley, who transformed it into a dominant force in radio by leveraging advertising revenue through large audiences[1][5]. CBS expanded into television early, launching experimental broadcasts in 1931 and pioneering the first color TV broadcast in 1940 from its Chrysler Building transmitter in New York City[1][2]. The network became a leader in television entertainment and news through the mid-20th century, with iconic programs and personalities such as Ed Sullivan, Lucille Ball, and Walter Cronkite contributing to its popularity[3]. CBS also innovated in network news with the Columbia News Service, led by Edward R. Murrow, which established its reputation for serious journalism in the 1930s and 1940s[2]. Throughout its history, CBS diversified into related sectors like recording (Columbia Records) and publishing but eventually refocused on broadcasting and entertainment. It underwent several corporate transformations, including a merger with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1995, adoption of the CBS Corporation name, and acquisition by Viacom in 2000. After splitting from Viacom in 2005 and operating independently, CBS re-merged with Viacom in 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which was renamed Paramount Global in 2022. In 2025, CBS became the flagship network of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation following an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media[3][4]. Today, CBS remains a key player in American media, known for its broad programming reach, influential news division, and historical significance in radio and television innovation. Its long-standing presence and adaptability in business and technology make it a cornerstone of the broadcasting industry. CBS’s leadership under President and CEO George Che

The organization known as **Late_Show** primarily refers to the *Late Show* franchise, a prominent American late-night television talk show series airing on CBS since 1993. It began with David Letterman as the host, who transitioned from NBC's *Late Night with David Letterman* to launch this new franchise. The show became famous for its innovative and often offbeat approach to the talk show format, blending celebrity interviews, comedy, and musical performances. Letterman's tenure, lasting until 2015, earned the show numerous Emmy Awards and established it as a significant influence on late-night TV and comedy culture[2][3]. After Letterman's retirement in May 2015, **Stephen Colbert**—previously known for his satirical work on *The Colbert Report*—became the host. Colbert brought a fresh comedic style and political satire focus, further evolving the show's format. Under his leadership, *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* continued to be broadcast four nights a week from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. The program has maintained critical acclaim, winning multiple Emmy Awards, and has become a platform for both prominent celebrities and up-and-coming artists[3][6][7]. The *Late Show* franchise is slated to conclude in May 2026, marking the end of over three decades of influential late-night programming on CBS[2][3]. In parallel, the related **Late Late Show** was a separate CBS late-night talk show airing from 1995 to 2023, featuring several hosts including Tom Snyder, Craig Kilborn, Craig Ferguson, and James Corden. Notably, James Corden's tenure from 2015 to 2023 introduced innovative formats like *Carpool Karaoke*, blending talk show elements with viral digital content, winning a Primetime Emmy and capturing a younger, tech-savvy audience[1][5]. Overall, the *Late Show* and its related programs have shaped America

Streaming_Services refers broadly to the dynamic and rapidly expanding industry of online streaming platforms that deliver video, music, gaming, and other digital content over the internet. This sector, particularly video streaming, has become a cornerstone of modern entertainment and media consumption worldwide. The video streaming segment in the United States alone comprises approximately 3,482 companies and has experienced significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2020 to 2025[1]. This growth is driven by the proliferation of on-demand content, advancements in streaming technology, and evolving consumer preferences favoring flexible, anytime-anywhere viewing. Streaming services operate primarily under various revenue models, including subscription-based, advertisement-supported, and hybrid models[3]. Historically, the streaming industry was revolutionized by pioneers like Netflix, which launched as a DVD rental service before transforming into a global streaming powerhouse. Netflix remains a leading player in 2025, leveraging a vast content library, AI-driven personalized recommendations, and consistent investment in original programming to maintain a strong subscriber base worldwide[2]. Other major players include Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube TV, each differentiating through exclusive content, integration with broader ecosystems, or live TV offerings[3][6]. Key achievements in the industry include the massive global subscriber growth seen by companies like Warner Bros. Discovery, which reached over 110 million streaming subscribers by late 2024 and reported significant profitability improvements fueled by international expansion and content investment[4]. The industry has also seen shifts toward ad-supported models that offer free access with targeted advertising, enhancing revenue potential while attracting more users[1]. Currently, the streaming market is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars globally and is forecasted to grow substantially, potentially reaching over $2.49 trillion by 2032 with a CAGR of 17.8%[7]. Notable trends include the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region, especially India, as a key growth market