# Viacom

> American mass media company (2005–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q214346](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214346)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viacom_(2005–2019))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/viacom

## Summary
Viacom was an American mass media company that operated from 2005 to 2019, serving as a major conglomerate in the entertainment industry. It was formed through the split of the original Viacom into two entities: Viacom and CBS Corporation. Viacom was known for its ownership of prominent media brands such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures, playing a significant role in shaping global pop culture and media consumption.

## Key Facts
- **Active Years**: 2005–2019
- **Predecessor**: Original Viacom (1952–2005)
- **Successor**: ViacomCBS (later renamed Paramount Global)
- **Founding Date**: December 31, 2005
- **Dissolution Date**: December 4, 2019 (merged with CBS Corporation)
- **Headquarters**: One Astor Plaza, New York City, U.S.
- **Key Subsidiaries**: MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures, BET, CMT, VH1, Nickelodeon Studios, Harmonix Music Systems
- **Founder**: Sumner Redstone
- **CEO**: Philippe Dauman (2006–2016), Bob Bakish (2016–2019)
- **Revenue (2020)**: $25.285 billion
- **Net Profit (2020)**: $2.422 billion
- **Employees (2017)**: 11,200
- **Stock Exchange**: Nasdaq (ticker symbols VIA, VIAB)
- **Market Capitalization (2021)**: $26.56 billion
- **Notable Brands**: MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures, BET, CMT, VH1
- **Parent Company**: National Amusements (controlled by the Redstone family)
- **Merged With**: CBS Corporation (2019)
- **Legal Form**: Delaware corporation
- **Industry**: Media, entertainment
- **Preceded By**: Gulf and Western Industries
- **Followed By**: ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global)
- **Affiliations**: World Wide Web Consortium, S&P 500, Russell 1000 Index

## FAQs
**What was Viacom's primary business?**
Viacom was a mass media conglomerate focused on television, film, and digital media, operating iconic brands like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures.

**When and why was Viacom formed?**
Viacom was formed on December 31, 2005, after the original Viacom split into two companies: Viacom and CBS Corporation. The split aimed to streamline operations and focus on specific media segments.

**What led to Viacom's dissolution in 2019?**
Viacom merged with CBS Corporation on December 4, 2019, to form ViacomCBS (later renamed Paramount Global), driven by the need to compete in the evolving media landscape dominated by streaming services.

**Who controlled Viacom?**
Viacom was controlled by the Redstone family through their ownership of National Amusements, with Sumner Redstone as a key figure until his death in 2020.

**What were Viacom's most notable subsidiaries?**
Key subsidiaries included MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures, BET, CMT, VH1, and Harmonix Music Systems, which developed the Guitar Hero franchise.

**How did Viacom influence pop culture?**
Through its subsidiaries, Viacom significantly shaped global pop culture, from music and television programming to film and digital media, reaching billions of audiences worldwide.

## Why It Matters
Viacom mattered as a pivotal player in the global media industry, driving entertainment trends and content distribution. Its subsidiaries like MTV and Nickelodeon were cultural touchstones, influencing music, youth culture, and animation. The company's merger with CBS in 2019 reflected broader industry shifts toward consolidation to compete with streaming giants. Viacom's legacy endures through its iconic brands and content, which continue to operate under Paramount Global, impacting media consumption and pop culture globally.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Media Brands**: Ownership of MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures, which defined generations of entertainment.
- **Cultural Influence**: Shaping global pop culture through music videos, animated series, and blockbuster films.
- **Corporate Evolution**: Representing the challenges and strategies of traditional media companies adapting to digital disruption.
- **Family Control**: The Redstone family's significant influence over the company's direction and mergers.
- **Global Reach**: Operating networks and content in over 180 countries, reaching diverse audiences worldwide.
- **Innovative Content**: Pioneering reality TV, music videos, and animated programming that redefined media formats.
- **Merger History**: A key example of media industry consolidation, including the 2019 merger forming ViacomCBS.

## Body

### History and Corporate Structure
Viacom was established on December 31, 2005, following the split of the original Viacom into two entities: Viacom and CBS Corporation. This restructuring aimed to create focused companies in specific media segments. Viacom retained control of cable networks like MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as Paramount Pictures, while CBS Corporation took over broadcast television and publishing assets. The company operated as a Delaware corporation, publicly traded on Nasdaq under ticker symbols VIA and VIAB.

### Leadership and Ownership
Sumner Redstone, a prominent media magnate, founded Viacom and maintained control through National Amusements. Philippe Dauman served as CEO from 2006 to 2016, succeeded by Bob Bakish, who led the company until its 2019 merger. The Redstone family's ownership ensured significant influence over strategic decisions, including the eventual merger with CBS.

### Subsidiaries and Content Portfolio
Viacom's subsidiaries were central to its influence:
- **MTV**: Revolutionized music and youth culture through music videos and reality TV.
- **Nickelodeon**: Dominated children's entertainment with franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants.
- **Comedy Central**: Produced acclaimed series such as South Park and The Daily Show.
- **Paramount Pictures**: A historic film studio behind franchises like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.
- **BET and CMT**: Catered to African American and country music audiences, respectively.
- **Harmonix Music Systems**: Developed the Guitar Hero video game series.

### Financial Performance and Market Position
At its peak, Viacom generated $25.285 billion in revenue (2020) and employed 11,200 people. Its market capitalization reached $26.56 billion in 2021, reflecting its status as a media industry leader. However, the rise of streaming services pressured traditional media models, prompting the 2019 merger with CBS to form ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global).

### Merger and Legacy
The 2019 merger with CBS Corporation aimed to create a more competitive entity in the streaming era. Viacom's dissolution marked the end of an era, but its brands and content continue to thrive under Paramount Global. The company's history underscores the challenges of media evolution, from cable television dominance to digital streaming adaptation.

### Cultural and Industry Impact
Viacom's subsidiaries profoundly influenced global culture:
- **MTV** redefined music consumption and youth culture.
- **Nickelodeon** shaped children's entertainment and animation.
- **Paramount Pictures** contributed iconic films to Hollywood's legacy.
- **Comedy Central** pushed boundaries in political satire and comedy.

This impact solidified Viacom's role as a media industry pillar, despite its eventual merger-driven dissolution. Its legacy persists through ongoing content production and brand recognition under Paramount Global.

## References

1. [Source](https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/viacom-bob-bakish-ceo-1201940017/)
2. Open ISNI for Organizations
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/media-down-cbs-new-viacom-to-join-sp-500-index)
5. [Source](https://www.w3.org/Consortium/Member/List)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. MusicBrainz
8. National Software Reference Library
9. [Source](https://fortune.com/fortune500/viacom/)
10. Global LEI Index
11. [Viacom Finance Results 2020](https://ir.viacomcbs.com/static-files/e142d2de-dcfa-447c-9034-142a261a7882)
12. [CBS (VIAC) Stock Key Data](https://www.forbes.com/companies/cbs)
13. [2020](https://www.gleif.org/content/4-lei-data/8-lei-mapping/1-download-bic-to-lei-relationship-files/bic_lei_gleif_v1_monthly_full_20200327.csv)
14. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
15. Wikirate