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How #MeToo and boardroom politics collided with the Redstone media empire

Feb 13, 2023
Rachel Abrams and James B. Stewart report how CBS, and Sumner Redstone’s media empire, became center stage for an epic #MeToo moment.
"Unscripted" by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams is both a tale of corporate intrigue and a family drama that revolve around CBS and the Redstone media empire.
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CBS and Viacom announce merger — again

Aug 13, 2019
This time around, the media landscape is "completely different," says Keach Hagey of the Wall Street Journal.
The CBS headquarters in New York City in 2013.
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CBS and Viacom to reunite as media giants bulk

Aug 13, 2019
The reunion will help these companies navigate a competitive streaming landscape, according to analysts.
CBS headquarters in New York City.
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CBS pulls its programming from AT&T households

Jul 22, 2019
What we’re seeing is basically a game of chicken over how much AT&T owes CBS. The question is who’s going to blink first.
The CBS headquarters seen in 2013 in New York City.
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What happens when politics takes a starring role

Sep 24, 2018
Why politically themed movies, books and podcasts are everywhere.
President-elect Donald Trump boards the elevator at Trump Tower in New York City on Jan. 16, 2017.
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CBS and disgraced former CEO Les Moonves will donate $20 million to the #MeToo movement

Sep 10, 2018
Disgraced former CBS head Leslie Moonves will contribute millions of his severance to the #MeToo movement after multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Small nonprofits on the receiving end could find themselves scrambling to manage the donations. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 
 Leslie 'Les' Moonves attends the annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, July 11, 2018 in Sun Valley, Idaho.
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Reruns can still mean revenue for canceled shows

Aug 23, 2018
"The Big Bang Theory" will likely remain a moneymaker even after its run on CBS ends.
Actors Mayim Bialik, left, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki from "The Big Bang Theory" attend The Paley Center for Media's 33rd Annual Paleyfest at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in 2016.
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For public good, not for profit.

Classic sitcoms still making money after all these years

Aug 21, 2018
TV oldies like “I Love Lucy” and “Bewitched” have managed to hold on to devoted superfans more than 50 years after they aired. There’s a vibrant market for memorabilia.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in “I Love Lucy” in 1956. The show still has earning power.
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Will scandal slow CBS juggernaut?

Aug 3, 2018
CBS reported stellar earnings on Thursday, and CEO Leslie Moonves spoke about a bright future for the network even as he grapples with allegations of sexual misconduct. Similar charges have been leveled at the executive producer of one of the network’s most popular shows, “60 Minutes.” But will the scandals cause advertisers to flee the […]
Leslie 'Les' Moonves, president and chief executive officer of CBS Corporation, attends the annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, July 11, 2018 in Sun Valley, Idaho.
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Why we're still talking about Sumner Redstone

Jun 25, 2018
Succession planning is tricky when the plan involves never dying.
Sumner Redstone, chairman emeritus of the CBS Corporation and Viacom.
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