Quantcast

VIACOM CHANGES REVERBERATE

Lots of Takes on Company’s Post-
Karmazin Reality
Sumner Redstone’s bombshell announcement yesterday that he will relinquish his CEO title at Viacom, which he controls, within three years—combined with Mel Karmazin’s sort-of surprise resignation and the promotion of MTV NetworksTom Freston and CBSLes Moonves to fill the gap—has, naturally, caused quite a stir in the press.

The Wall Street Journal leads the way with an in-depth analysis of the circumstances leading up to yesterday’s announcement and the likely changes ahead. Along with details of the widely reported strife between Redstone and Karmazin over the years, the paper says it was Karmazin’s lessening ability to deliver strong results on Viacom’s largely advertising-dependent businesses that left him vulnerable.

Now, Redstone and the Viacom board will re-examine the company’s strategy. “We’re going to take a good hard look at all of our assets, including our radio assets,” Redstone, 81, told analysts yesterday. “There is no sacred cow.” But, he said, “For the time being, we're committed to radio.”

The Journal also maintains, like many similar reports, that the promotion of Freston and Moonves sets the stage for an “intense succession race” that will see the two execs battle for the chance to take over for Redstone when he retires. Freston and Moonves, however, are said to be friends, and some seem to think there will be few fireworks between them.

And then there’s the question of Redstone’s daughter, Shari, 50, who has been an increasing presence at Viacom and now sits on its board. Some think Redstone will want to give her a management postion at the company, though he has repeatedly denied that she will have a role in operations. Nevertheless, she is in line to eventually take over Redstone’s controlling Viacom stake.

Karmazin reportedly made up his mind to leave Viacom after the company’s May 19 annual meeting, telling his lawyer, Allen Finkelson of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, to “pull the trigger” on the exit clause in his contract. Finkelson reportedly then notified Viacom’s outside counsel that Karmazin would be leaving. Redstone was never contacted directly, the Journal says.

The Financial Times, along with the Journal, reports that Karmazin will be paid out on the two years remaining on his contract—a sum that will amount to about $30 million. He will also have access to all his stock options, reportedly worth near $400 million at Viacom’s current share price.

Meanwhile, the New York Post put together a whopper of a package—six headlines in all—covering angles including Karmazin reportedly choosing to walk before being ousted, the likelihood of his reps reaching out to Disney in the days ahead, Howard Stern’s outrage ("I can't leave right today but, believe me, I'll be gone in a month"), the purported Freston-Moonves power struggle, Redstone’s patient maneuvering to come out on top, and daughter Shari’s inevitable control of the company.
NEAR TRUTHS: SPRING BLOOMS
Here come the big guns. (3/28a)
THE COUNT: COLDPLAY IS HOT, COUNTRY'S COOKIN' IN THE U.K.
The latest tidbits from the bustling live sector (3/28a)
CITY OF HOPE TAPS MARCIANO FOR TOP HONOR
This year's philanthropic model (3/28a)
TRUST IN THE TOP 20
Hip-hop is no longer hibernating. (3/28a)
UMG BROADENS SPOTIFY OFFERINGS
Sir Lucian and Daniel are in harmony. (3/28a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)