# CBS Corporation

> American mass media company (2005–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q950380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q950380)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS_Corporation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cbs-corporation

## Summary
CBS Corporation was an American mass media company that operated from 2005 to 2019, serving as a major player in television broadcasting, radio, film production, and publishing. It owned and operated prominent entities such as the CBS television network, Showtime, Simon & Schuster, and CBS Films, and was a key subsidiary of National Amusements before merging with Viacom to form Paramount Global in 2019.

## Key Facts
- **Existence**: Operated from December 31, 2005, to December 4, 2019.
- **Type**: Public company, mass media corporation.
- **Headquarters**: CBS Building, Manhattan, New York City.
- **Industry**: Television broadcasting, radio, film production, publishing.
- **Revenue**: $13.95 billion (2019).
- **Net Profit**: -$11.673 billion (2019).
- **Employees**: 25,920 (2019).
- **Stock Exchange**: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
- **Parent Organization**: National Amusements.
- **Successor**: Paramount Global (formed via merger with Viacom).
- **Subsidiaries**: CBS, Showtime, Simon & Schuster, CBS Films, CBS Studios, The CW, UPN, CBS Sports, CBS News Radio, and others.
- **Key People**: Les Moonves (former CEO).
- **Awards**: Peabody Awards for excellence in radio and television.
- **Notable Properties**: CBS Broadcast Center, Ed Sullivan Theater, Television City.
- **Website**: http://www.cbscorporation.com.
- **Sitelink Count**: 30 (Wikipedia).

## FAQs
**What was CBS Corporation?**
CBS Corporation was an American mass media company that operated from 2005 to 2019, owning major television networks, radio stations, film studios, and publishing houses. It was a key player in the entertainment industry before merging with Viacom to form Paramount Global.

**When did CBS Corporation exist?**
CBS Corporation was formed on December 31, 2005, and dissolved on December 4, 2019, when it merged with Viacom to create Paramount Global.

**What were the main subsidiaries of CBS Corporation?**
CBS Corporation owned several major subsidiaries, including the CBS television network, Showtime, Simon & Schuster, CBS Films, CBS Studios, The CW, UPN, CBS Sports, and CBS News Radio.

**Who owned CBS Corporation?**
CBS Corporation was owned by National Amusements, a media and entertainment company controlled by the Redstone family.

**What happened to CBS Corporation after 2019?**
On December 4, 2019, CBS Corporation merged with Viacom to form Paramount Global, ending its existence as an independent entity.

**What was the financial performance of CBS Corporation?**
In 2019, CBS Corporation reported revenue of $13.95 billion and a net profit of -$11.673 billion, reflecting the challenges of the media industry during its final year of operation.

**What awards did CBS Corporation receive?**
CBS Corporation and its subsidiaries received Peabody Awards, which recognize excellence in radio and television programming.

**Where was CBS Corporation headquartered?**
CBS Corporation was headquartered in the CBS Building in Manhattan, New York City, a prominent office skyscraper.

**What industries did CBS Corporation operate in?**
CBS Corporation operated in television broadcasting, radio, film production, and publishing, making it a diversified media conglomerate.

**What was the role of Les Moonves in CBS Corporation?**
Les Moonves served as the CEO of CBS Corporation, playing a key role in its leadership and strategic direction during his tenure.

## Why It Matters
CBS Corporation mattered as a major force in the American and global media landscape, shaping entertainment, news, and cultural narratives through its extensive portfolio of television networks, radio stations, film studios, and publishing houses. As one of the "Big Four" American broadcast television networks, CBS reached millions of viewers daily, influencing public discourse and popular culture. The company's ownership of iconic properties like the CBS Broadcast Center and Ed Sullivan Theater underscored its deep roots in American media history. Additionally, its merger with Viacom to form Paramount Global marked a significant shift in the media industry, reflecting broader trends of consolidation and digital transformation. CBS Corporation's legacy continues through its successor, Paramount Global, which remains a dominant player in global entertainment.

## Notable For
- Operating the CBS television network, one of the "Big Four" American broadcast networks.
- Owning Showtime, a premium cable channel known for original programming.
- Publishing through Simon & Schuster, one of the "Big Five" publishing houses.
- Producing films through CBS Films and television content through CBS Studios.
- Operating The CW and UPN, significant television networks in the U.S.
- Owning iconic properties like the CBS Broadcast Center and Ed Sullivan Theater.
- Being controlled by National Amusements, a major media conglomerate.
- Merging with Viacom to form Paramount Global in 2019.
- Receiving Peabody Awards for excellence in radio and television.
- Employing over 25,000 people and generating billions in revenue annually.

## Body
### History and Formation
CBS Corporation was formed on December 31, 2005, as a result of the split of Viacom into two separate companies: CBS Corporation and a new Viacom. This division was orchestrated to better focus on the distinct business models of broadcasting and cable networks. CBS Corporation inherited the original CBS broadcast network, along with other assets such as Showtime, Simon & Schuster, and CBS Radio. The company's roots trace back to the founding of the CBS radio network in 1927, which later expanded into television broadcasting.

### Corporate Structure and Leadership
CBS Corporation operated as a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). It was controlled by National Amusements, a media and entertainment company owned by the Redstone family. The company employed approximately 25,920 people and generated revenue of $13.95 billion in 2019. Les Moonves served as the CEO of CBS Corporation, providing leadership during a period of significant change in the media industry.

### Subsidiaries and Brands
CBS Corporation owned a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries across multiple media sectors. The CBS television network, founded in 1927, served as the company's flagship broadcast network, reaching millions of viewers with news, sports, and entertainment programming. Showtime, a premium cable channel, was known for its original series and films. Simon & Schuster, founded in 1924, operated as one of the largest book publishers in the world. CBS Films, established in 2007, produced and distributed motion pictures, while CBS Studios, founded in 2006, focused on television production.

The company also operated The CW, a joint venture with Warner Bros. that launched in 2006, and UPN, a television network that operated from 1995 to 2006. Other notable subsidiaries included CBS Sports, CBS News Radio, and CBS Records, which operated from 2006 to 2017. These entities contributed to the company's broad reach across television, radio, film, and music industries.

### Financial Performance and Market Position
In 2019, CBS Corporation reported revenue of $13.95 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the media industry. However, the company also reported a net profit of -$11.673 billion, highlighting the financial challenges faced by traditional media companies in an era of digital disruption. Despite these challenges, CBS Corporation remained a major player in the global media landscape, with a strong portfolio of assets and a loyal audience base.

### Content Portfolio and Intellectual Properties
CBS Corporation possessed an extensive content library, accumulated through decades of production and acquisition. The company owned iconic franchises and properties, including the CBS Broadcast Center and Ed Sullivan Theater, which served as key production facilities for television programming. The company's content spanned multiple genres and demographics, allowing it to maintain broad audience appeal across different platforms and markets.

### International Operations
Through its various subsidiaries, CBS Corporation operated television networks and content distribution in numerous countries worldwide. The company's international presence included local adaptations of popular formats and original content produced for specific markets. This global reach extended the company's influence beyond American audiences and contributed significantly to its overall revenue.

### Mergers and Acquisitions
On December 4, 2019, CBS Corporation merged with Viacom to form Paramount Global, a new entity that combined the strengths of both companies. This merger marked the end of CBS Corporation as an independent entity and represented a significant shift in ownership and strategic direction. The new company, Paramount Global, inherited CBS Corporation's extensive content library and operational infrastructure while pursuing different strategic objectives under new ownership.

### Awards and Recognition
CBS Corporation and its subsidiaries received numerous awards and recognitions for excellence in radio and television programming. The company was a recipient of the Peabody Awards, which honor the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and online media. These awards underscored the company's commitment to high-quality content and its impact on the media industry.

### Key Properties and Facilities
CBS Corporation owned and operated several key properties and facilities that played a crucial role in its operations. The CBS Building, located in Manhattan, New York City, served as the company's headquarters and a prominent office skyscraper. The CBS Broadcast Center and Ed Sullivan Theater were key production facilities for television programming, while Television City in Los Angeles served as a major studio complex for television production.

### Legacy and Impact
CBS Corporation's legacy continues through its successor, Paramount Global, which remains a dominant player in global entertainment. The company's extensive content library, iconic properties, and strong portfolio of assets have contributed to its enduring influence in the media industry. CBS Corporation's role in shaping entertainment, news, and cultural narratives underscores its continued relevance and impact on the global media landscape.

## References

1. GRID
2. [Source](https://www.nasdaqtrader.com/TraderNews.aspx?id=dtn2019-26)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
6. GRID Release 2017-09-26
7. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q4807)