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Who owns Paramount Global?
The media ownership landscape is complex, with recent merger discussions involving Skydance Media and Paramount Global underscoring this dynamic. Paramount Global, a significant player in media and entertainment, was established as ViacomCBS in 2019.
Understanding the ownership of a company like Paramount Global is crucial for grasping its strategic direction and market influence. The company's diverse portfolio includes major brands like CBS, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures.
Who owns Paramount Global?
As of 2024, Paramount Global reported substantial financial figures, including US$29.2 billion in revenue and US$46.2 billion in total assets, though it also experienced an operating income of -US$5.3 billion. This financial snapshot provides context for the ongoing discussions about its future ownership structure. Analyzing the Paramount BCG Matrix can offer further insights into the performance of its various business units.
Who Founded Paramount?
Understanding Paramount Global's founding ownership requires examining the origins of its primary predecessors: Paramount Pictures, CBS, and Viacom. These entities, each with their own rich histories, eventually converged to form the modern media giant.
Paramount Pictures' Genesis
Paramount Pictures was established on May 8, 1912, as the Famous Players Film Company. Its founders, Adolph Zukor, Daniel Frohman, and W.W. Hodkinson, envisioned a studio focused on producing feature-length films.
The Birth of CBS
CBS began in 1927 as United Independent Broadcasters, founded by Arthur Judson. Financial challenges led to its acquisition by the Columbia Phonograph Company, evolving into the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System.
Viacom's Separation
Viacom was created by CBS in 1970 to navigate FCC regulations. It officially separated in 1971, with CBS distributing Viacom's stock to its shareholders.
Early Corporate Intertwining
Paramount Pictures held a significant stake in CBS during the early 1930s. This period highlights the interconnectedness of early media companies.
Founding Figures
Key figures like Adolph Zukor, William S. Paley, and Arthur Judson played pivotal roles in shaping these foundational companies.
Initial Viacom Structure
Viacom commenced operations with approximately 70,000 stockholders. Its initial annual sales were reported at $19.8 million.
The foundational ownership of what would become Paramount Global is a complex tapestry woven from the histories of Paramount Pictures, CBS, and Viacom. Paramount Pictures, originally the Famous Players Film Company, was co-founded by Adolph Zukor, Daniel Frohman, and W.W. Hodkinson. Zukor, an immigrant with prior investments in nickelodeons, envisioned a studio dedicated to producing longer films featuring prominent stage actors. By 1914, Hodkinson established Paramount Pictures Corporation as a distribution entity, entering into a five-year agreement with Famous Players Film Company and Jesse L. Lasky's Feature Play Company. This collaboration culminated in the 1916 merger of their companies into Famous Players-Lasky, which was later rebranded as Paramount Pictures Inc. in the mid-1930s. CBS, initially United Independent Broadcasters, was founded in 1927 by New York talent agent Arthur Judson. Facing financial instability, the company was acquired by the Columbia Phonograph Company in April 1927, becoming the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System. In early 1928, Judson and Columbia sold the network to Isaac and Leon Levy and Jerome Louchheim, who appointed William S. Paley as president. Paley, whose father owned a significant advertiser, subsequently renamed the network the Columbia Broadcasting System. From 1929 to 1932, Paramount Pictures held a substantial 49% ownership stake in CBS, illustrating an early period of significant corporate overlap. Viacom's origins trace back to CBS in the summer of 1970, established to adhere to U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations that prevented television networks from owning cable TV systems or syndicating their own programming. Viacom officially became an independent entity in 1971 when CBS distributed its stock to its shareholders, with each CBS shareholder receiving one share of Viacom for every seven shares of CBS stock they held. Viacom launched with an initial base of 70,000 stockholders and reported first-year sales of $19.8 million. Understanding the target market of Paramount is crucial to grasping the evolution of these entities.
Key Founding Milestones
The early years of Paramount Global's predecessors were marked by significant entrepreneurial vision and strategic business maneuvers.
- Paramount Pictures founded as Famous Players Film Company in 1912.
- CBS established as United Independent Broadcasters in 1927.
- Viacom spun off from CBS in 1971 to comply with FCC regulations.
- Paramount Pictures held a 49% stake in CBS between 1929 and 1932.
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How Has Paramount’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
Paramount Global's ownership journey is marked by significant strategic maneuvers, including major acquisitions and corporate restructurings that have shaped its current stakeholder landscape.
| Year | Event | Acquisition Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Sumner M. Redstone acquired Viacom | Approximately $3.4 billion |
| 1994 | Viacom acquired Paramount Communications Inc. | Approximately $8 billion |
| 2005 | Viacom split into CBS Corporation and a new Viacom | N/A |
| 2019 | CBS Corporation and Viacom re-merged to form ViacomCBS | N/A |
| 2022 | ViacomCBS rebranded as Paramount Global | N/A |
The Redstone family, through National Amusements Inc., has historically maintained a controlling interest in the company, significantly influencing its direction. As of April 12, 2024, National Amusements, Inc. held approximately 77.4% of Paramount Global's voting Class A Common Stock, underscoring their substantial control over strategic decisions.
Key Paramount Global Stakeholders
Understanding who owns Paramount Global involves looking at both controlling family interests and major institutional investors.
- National Amusements, Inc. (Redstone family) holds a controlling stake.
- Major institutional investors include Vanguard Group Inc., State Street Corp, Lingotto Investment Management LLP, and Blackrock Inc.
- These institutions collectively manage a significant portion of the publicly traded shares.
- The Redstone family's influence is paramount in determining the company's future.
Major institutional shareholders as of July 25, 2025, include Vanguard Group Inc. with 10.19%, State Street Corp holding 7.45%, Lingotto Investment Management LLP at 6.80%, and Blackrock Inc. with 6.27%. These entities play a crucial role in the company's stock performance and governance. The evolution of Paramount Global's ownership structure reflects a dynamic history of consolidation and strategic realignments within the media and entertainment industry, impacting its Growth Strategy of Paramount.
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Who Sits on Paramount’s Board?
As of June 2, 2025, Paramount Global's board of directors includes Shari Redstone, Linda M. Griego, Susan Schuman, and Barbara M. Byrne. The board also saw nominations for three new directors: Mary Boies, Charles E. Ryan, and Roanne Sragow Licht, while Judith A. McHale stepped down.
| Director Name | Affiliation/Role |
|---|---|
| Shari Redstone | Chairwoman, Controlling Shareholder |
| Linda M. Griego | Board Member |
| Susan Schuman | Board Member |
| Barbara M. Byrne | Board Member |
| Mary Boies | Nominated Director |
| Charles E. Ryan | Nominated Director |
| Roanne Sragow Licht | Nominated Director |
The Redstone family, through National Amusements Inc., exercises significant control over Paramount Global. As of April 12, 2024, National Amusements held approximately 77.4% of Paramount's Class A Common Stock, which carries voting rights. This substantial ownership stake positions Shari Redstone, as Chairwoman of Paramount Global and President of National Amusements, to wield considerable influence over the company's strategic direction and major decisions. Paramount Global operates with a dual-class share structure, differentiating between voting Class A shares and non-voting Class B shares, with National Amusements historically aligning its Class A share votes with board recommendations.
Paramount Global's Leadership and Ownership Structure
Understanding the ownership and leadership of Paramount Global is key to grasping its operational and strategic trajectory. The influence of National Amusements Inc. is paramount.
- National Amusements Inc. is the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global.
- Shari Redstone holds significant influence as Chairwoman and President of National Amusements.
- Paramount Global utilizes a dual-class share structure.
- Recent board changes reflect ongoing strategic discussions.
- The company's executive leadership was restructured in April 2024 with the formation of an Office of the CEO.
In April 2024, a shift in executive leadership occurred with the departure of Bob Bakish as President and CEO. Following this, Paramount Global implemented a new leadership model, establishing an Office of the CEO. This office comprises George Cheeks (President and CEO of CBS), Chris McCarthy (President and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks), and Brian Robbins (President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon). This collective leadership is tasked with formulating a comprehensive long-range plan aimed at enhancing growth and operational efficiency. This strategic realignment is a critical step in navigating the future of Paramount Global, and understanding the Mission, Vision & Core Values of Paramount can provide further context to these leadership decisions.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Paramount’s Ownership Landscape?
Recent developments indicate a significant shift in Paramount Global's ownership landscape, primarily driven by its impending merger with Skydance Media. This transaction, valued at approximately $8 billion, is set to create a new entity, 'Paramount Skydance Corporation,' and is expected to finalize by early August 2025. This move signifies a major transition for Paramount Global's stakeholders and its future strategic direction.
| Key Stakeholder | Ownership Interest | Role in New Entity |
| Skydance Investor Group | Acquires National Amusements | Forms new entity 'Paramount Skydance Corporation' |
| Larry Ellison | 77.5% of National Amusements | Majority Shareholder of National Amusements |
| RedBird Capital Partners | 22.5% of National Amusements | Minority Shareholder of National Amusements |
| David Ellison | 100% of Ellison family's voting interest | Sole Manager of Ellison family's voting interest |
The proposed merger with Skydance Media marks a pivotal moment for Paramount Global, following a period of intense interest from other major players in the media industry throughout 2024. Companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures, Apollo Global Management, and Allen Media Group had previously explored acquisition possibilities. The finalized deal includes a substantial payment of $2.4 billion to Shari Redstone for National Amusements, alongside $4.5 billion distributed to non-National Amusements Paramount shareholders. Furthermore, the transaction injects $1.5 billion in new capital into Paramount's financial structure, aiming to bolster its operational capacity. The newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation is slated to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol PSKY.
Skydance Media Merger Approval
The FCC approved the merger on July 24, 2025, paving the way for its closure by August 7, 2025. This approval is a critical step in the consolidation of Paramount Global.
Ellison Family's Control
Larry Ellison will hold a majority stake in National Amusements, with David Ellison managing the family's voting interests. This structure centralizes control within the Ellison family.
Financial Implications of the Deal
The $8 billion deal involves significant payments to existing shareholders and injects new capital into Paramount. This financial restructuring aims to strengthen the company's balance sheet.
Industry Consolidation Trend
This merger reflects a broader industry trend towards consolidation and strategic alliances. Such moves are essential for navigating the dynamic media and entertainment sector and understanding the Revenue Streams & Business Model of Paramount.
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