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On the Media

Shari Redstone's Road to Power at Paramount Global

Apr 30, 2025
Rachel Abrams, a senior producer and reporter at The New York Times Presents, dives into the tumultuous legacy of media mogul Sumner Redstone and his daughter Shari's rise to power at Paramount Global. She unpacks familial tensions, highlighting how Shari navigated a male-dominated landscape while confronting personal and corporate strife. The discussion also touches on the impact of corporate mergers on journalistic integrity, revealing a compelling tale of affairs, betrayal, and the quest for control within a media dynasty.
14:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Shari Redstone navigated familial conflicts and challenges, reclaiming control of the media empire amidst external threats and personal dynamics.
  • The podcast underscores systemic failures in corporate governance at CBS, particularly regarding the board's response to serious misconduct allegations against CEO Les Moonves.

Deep dives

The Impact of Corporate Governance on Media Integrity

The discussion highlights the failures of corporate governance within CBS, particularly during the tenure of CEO Les Moonves. Despite the emergence of sexual misconduct allegations against him, the board of directors largely ignored these concerns, relying on Moonves' assurances of innocence. This lackluster response is exemplified by one board member's shocking statement that no number of accusations would deter their support for him. Such an environment reflects broader systemic issues in corporate America, emphasizing the need for more accountable leadership and a commitment to the interests of shareholders.

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