Charles Osgood is a retired American radio and television commentator, widely recognized for hosting CBS News Sunday Morning for over two decades. He also built a successful career as a writer and continues to be regarded as one of American broadcasting’s most respected voices.
Charles Osgood was born on January 8, 1933, in the Bronx, New York City. During his childhood, his family moved to the Liberty Heights neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. He later attended St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, New Jersey. Osgood earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Fordham University in 1954.
Osgood began his broadcasting career as a morning anchor and reporter for WCBS Newsradio 88 in New York, serving in that role from 1967 to 1971. Prior to that, he worked on general assignment for ABC News and held the role of program manager at WGMS in Washington, D.C.
He joined CBS News in 1971 as a New York-based correspondent and quickly became known for his poetic style, earning him the title of CBS Radio’s “Poet in Residence.” His signature radio program, The Osgood File, began the same year and ran for more than four decades.
On April 10, 1994, Osgood succeeded Charles Kuralt as host of CBS News Sunday Morning, a position he held until 2016. His warm presence and thoughtful commentaries helped maintain the show’s success and wide appeal.
A long-time contributor to print media as well, Osgood penned a syndicated newspaper column distributed by Tribune Media Services. His voice in broadcasting was so esteemed that he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.
In 2017, Charles Osgood announced his retirement from The Osgood File. The decision stemmed from health issues, including a cancer diagnosis. In a public statement, he expressed his regret at stepping back, stating, "Although I was very much looking forward to continuing to see you on the radio, unfortunately my health and doctors will now not allow it."
Osgood revealed that he had been receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and felt it was time to bring his long broadcasting career to a close. He ended his network broadcasting career with distinction, having contributed to the industry for nearly 50 years.
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Profession: | American television writer |
| Children: | Annie Osgood, Winston Osgood, Emily Osgood, Kathleen Osgood, Jamie Osgood |
| Date of Birth: | anuary 8, 1933 |
| Birth Place: | New York City, NY |
| Spouse: | Jean Osgood (m. 1973) |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
