CBS Corporation

CBS Corporation

CBS Corporation was formed in 2006 when the Redstone-controlled National Amusements split Viacom and CBS into separate public companies. Sumner Redstone, who had controlled Viacom since 1994, installed Leslie Moonves as Chairman and CEO of CBS. The firm operated from New York City, with major production facilities in Los Angeles and broadcast centers across the US. The firm's strategy centered on linear television and content production. Its holdings included the CBS broadcast network, CBS Television Studios, CW Network (joint venture with Warner Bros.), Showtime Networks, CBS Sports, CBS News and Radio, and publisher Simon & Schuster. The company was known for owning TV's most-watched network, with hits like "NCIS," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Survivor." Geographic footprint was primarily domestic, with international distribution through programming sales (per the firm's annual reports, 2018). At its peak, CBS employed roughly 12,000 people. The firm also operated visitor attractions at its Ed Sullivan Theater and other properties. In 2019, after Redstone family negotiations, Viacom and CBS merged to form ViacomCBS (renamed Paramount Global in 2022). Shari Redstone retained control of the combined entity through National Amusements (per SEC filings, August 2019). CBS Corporation's key structural differentiator was its position as the only standalone broadcast network post-spin — unprotected by a sibling cable network or studio until the reunion with Viacom. Its independence forced a focus on maximizing linear ad revenue and syndication profits, which Moonves achieved through disciplined scheduling and cost management.