Redstone Says No Call Yet on Succession

Media mogul Sumner Redstone said no decisions have been made about who will run his controlling interests in Viacom and CBS after he dies.

At 91 years old, and not making appearances on earnings calls, there has been heightened speculation about the disposition of Redstone’s assets, including published reports Thursday saying his daughter, Shari Redstone, would be in charge.

But Redstone released a statement refuting those reports.

"As I have always said, I believe strongly in professional management and appropriate corporate governance. Decisions about who will succeed me as chairman of CBS and Viacom will be made by the Boards of the respective companies, and not by any individual,” the statement says. “Despite press reports to the contrary, such decisions have not yet been made. After my death, my ownership interest in the companies will be overseen by a group of seven trustees who will make fiduciary decisions based solely on the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust. Until that time, I will continue to make all such decisions."

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.