Company Directory - Viacom
Company Details - Viacom
Viacom
WebsiteNew York, United States
ISIN: US92553P2010
Viacom is a global media company known for its diverse range of television and film content, providing entertainment across various platforms. It operates multiple well-known brands and networks, including MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount, and focuses on producing and distributing content that engages audiences worldwide.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Viacom
-13.46
Latest Event
Report on ViacomCBS PAC Expenditures for Election Cycle
An OpenSecrets report details how ViacomCBS Inc allocated PAC funds across various categories including administrative, campaign expenses, contributions, fundraising, and media spending for the 2023-2024 election cycle. The report outlines expenditure categories without explicitly linking the spending to support for any authoritarian or far‐right political agendas.
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ENABLER
Viacom is currently rated as an Enabler.
Latest Events
- FEB062025
An OpenSecrets report details how ViacomCBS Inc allocated PAC funds across various categories including administrative, campaign expenses, contributions, fundraising, and media spending for the 2023-2024 election cycle. The report outlines expenditure categories without explicitly linking the spending to support for any authoritarian or far‐right political agendas.
+0
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 18
The report provides a factual breakdown of ViacomCBS Inc's PAC expenditures during the election cycle. While corporate PAC spending can indicate an effort to influence public policy, the article does not provide evidence that these contributions are being directed toward supporting authoritarian or far‐right candidates. Consequently, the score is neutral.
- APR072023
On April 7, 2023, Paramount Global settled a shareholder lawsuit for $122.5 million over allegations that the 2019 CBS-Viacom merger was approved under undue influence and at an unfair valuation, reflecting problematic board practices and structural power imbalances favoring controlling shareholders.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 18
The settlement underscores unethical business practices by the Viacom board, which conceded to a lower merger price under pressure from controlling interests—compromising shareholder value and accountability.
Paramount Global Settles CBS – Viacom Merger Lawsuit for $122.5 Million
-30
Economic and Structural Influence
April 18
The merger illustrates an imbalanced structural influence where controlling shareholders exert disproportionate power, leading to decisions that undervalue the company and undermine fair corporate governance.
Paramount Global Settles CBS – Viacom Merger Lawsuit for $122.5 Million
- JAN012022
The New York Sun article details how the majority of Viacom board members, including CEO Sumner Redstone, have consistently supported Democratic campaigns through their political donations. This liberal leaning is portrayed as a counterbalance to authoritarian tendencies, even as concerns linger about whether political biases may affect the board's oversight of the CBS News controversy involving forged documents related to President Bush's military record.
+40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 18
The article highlights that a dominant portion of Viacom’s board, including influential figures like Sumner Redstone, are active donors to Democratic candidates and progressive causes. Such political contributions are interpreted as supporting anti-fascist and progressive values, thereby providing a safeguard against authoritarian influence. However, the potential for politically influenced oversight in the CBS controversy is noted, slightly tempering the overall positive score.
Political Affiliations of Viacom Board Could Impact CBS Case
- NOV182020
ViacomCBS, following the merger between Viacom and CBS, laid off an additional 100 employees across several departments, including divisions in New York and Los Angeles. The move is part of a broader cost-cutting and streamlining effort aimed at achieving substantial annualized synergies.
-50
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 18
The layoffs, executed as part of a merger-related restructuring, reflect a disregard for worker security and rights. Such cost-cutting measures undermine labor stability and are problematic from an anti-fascist perspective that upholds workers' rights and protections.
ViacomCBS to Lay Off Additional 100 Staffers As Merger Streamlining Continues
- APR292020
ViacomCBS, during the post-merger integration with CBS and amid the COVID-19 crisis, announced additional staff layoffs across multiple divisions including MTV News, as detailed in an internal memo by CEO Bob Bakish.
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 18
The mass layoffs negatively impact labor relations and workers' rights. From a left-leaning anti-fascist perspective, such actions are seen as harmful to worker security and reflect a disconnect with the protection of marginalized communities. The reduction in workforce amid challenging times exacerbates labor vulnerabilities.
ViacomCBS Lays Off Staffers Across Organization Amid Ongoing Integration Efforts
- JAN012018
An OpenSecrets profile outlines Viacom International's involvement with political action committees and its practice of engaging former political staffers as lobbyists, raising concerns about corporate influence in U.S. politics.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 18
The OpenSecrets profile reveals that Viacom International participates in political fundraising through PACs and hires ex-White House and Congressional staffers for lobbying. Such activities contribute to entrenched corporate influence over policy-making, which is problematic from an anti-authoritarian perspective.
- JAN012004
According to OpenSecrets data, Viacom Inc spent $1,400,000 on lobbying activities in 2004. This expenditure reflects the company's significant investment in influencing public policy and raises concerns about its potential impact on democratic accountability.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 18
The lobbying expenditure of $1,400,000 in 2004 indicates a substantial effort by Viacom to shape policy decisions, which may favor corporate interests over public accountability. This use of political influence is viewed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective, as it can undermine democratic processes.
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Industries
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- Motion Picture and Video Production
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- Television Broadcasting