Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This rare CBS News Break aired in the evening of November 28, 1980, offering a powerful snapshot of U.S. and world events during the presidential transition from Carter to Reagan.
Segment Highlights:
Reagan’s Cabinet:
President-elect Ronald Reagan receives word that two key figures—William Simon and George Shultz—will not be joining his Cabinet.
Iran Hostage Crisis:
The State Department announces uncertainty over who has custody of the U.S. hostages in Iran, creating new questions about the handoff between administrations.
California Wildfires:
Devastating brush fires have scorched over 83,000 acres. President Jimmy Carter declares three California counties disaster areas.
California Earthquake (Confirmed):
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Truckee, California, at approximately 10:21 a.m. local time on November 28. The quake was felt widely across northern California and Nevada, but no injuries or major damage were reported.
Vintage Ad Break:
A commercial for Contac cold medicine airs mid-break, highlighting popular remedies of the time.
Anchor:
The update is delivered by respected CBS journalist Marlene Sanders, reporting from CBS News in New York.
This preserved broadcast bridges everyday television with urgent national headlines and is a nostalgic time capsule from the dawn of the 1980s.
This rare CBS News Break aired in the evening of November 28, 1980, offering a powerful snapshot of U.S. and world events during the presidential transition from Carter to Reagan.
Segment Highlights:
Reagan’s Cabinet:
President-elect Ronald Reagan receives word that two key figures—William Simon and George Shultz—will not be joining his Cabinet.
Iran Hostage Crisis:
The State Department announces uncertainty over who has custody of the U.S. hostages in Iran, creating new questions about the handoff between administrations.
California Wildfires:
Devastating brush fires have scorched over 83,000 acres. President Jimmy Carter declares three California counties disaster areas.
California Earthquake (Confirmed):
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Truckee, California, at approximately 10:21 a.m. local time on November 28. The quake was felt widely across northern California and Nevada, but no injuries or major damage were reported.
Vintage Ad Break:
A commercial for Contac cold medicine airs mid-break, highlighting popular remedies of the time.
Anchor:
The update is delivered by respected CBS journalist Marlene Sanders, reporting from CBS News in New York.
This preserved broadcast bridges everyday television with urgent national headlines and is a nostalgic time capsule from the dawn of the 1980s.
