Viacom International Specimen stock certificate. Owned MTV Showtime Paramount CBS. Machine Printed Signature of Ralph Baruch as 1st CEO. Has a rich and complex history marked by significant mergers and acquisitions, driving its growth into a major global media conglomerate. Early History and Formation Viacom traces its roots back to 1952 with the formation of CBS Television Film Sales, which was later renamed CBS Enterprises and then Viacom (Video & Audio Communications) in 1970. In 1971, Viacom was spun off from CBS to become an independent company focused on syndication and cable television? . Expansion and Acquisitions Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Viacom aggressively expanded through acquisitions. Key milestones included acquiring MTV Networks and Showtime in 1985, which transformed Viacom into a significant player in cable television? (Wikipedia)?? (Encyclopedia. Com)? . In 1987, Sumner Redstone’s National Amusements acquired a controlling interest in Viacom, marking a new era of expansion and influence?? . Merging with Paramount and Blockbuster In 1994, Viacom acquired Paramount Communications, gaining access to Paramount Pictures and other entertainment assets. This acquisition positioned Viacom as one of the world’s largest entertainment companies? . The same year, Viacom also acquired Blockbuster Video, further diversifying its holdings? . Re-merger with CBS In 1999, Viacom announced a merger with its former parent company, CBS Corporation, which was completed in 2000. This merger consolidated Viacom’s position in the media industry, combining its cable networks and film production capabilities with CBS’s broadcasting strength?? . Splits and Re-mergers In 2005, Viacom decided to split into two separate entities to better focus on its distinct business areas: CBS Corporation, which handled broadcasting, and the new Viacom Inc. Which focused on cable and film assets. This split became effective in 2006? (Wikipedia)? . However, in 2019, amid industry consolidation trends and the need to compete with streaming giants, CBS Corporation and Viacom re-merged to form ViacomCBS, now known as Paramount Global as of 2022?? . Current Structure Today, Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) includes a vast portfolio of brands such as CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and BET, among others. It continues to be a significant force in global media, leveraging its extensive library and production capabilities to compete in the digital and streaming landscape? . This journey reflects Viacom’s strategic growth and adaptation in an evolving media landscape, consistently expanding its footprint through key mergers and acquisitions. Ralph Baruch was a significant figure in the media industry, most notably known for his role in founding and leading Viacom. Born on August 5, 1923, in Frankfurt, Germany, Baruch’s early life was marked by the rise of the Nazi regime. His father, Bernard Baruch, faced persecution due to his involvement in defending Social Democrats, leading to the family’s eventual escape from Germany. They relocated to Paris before finally emigrating to the United States in 1940 with the help of the Emergency Rescue Committee. Ralph Baruch started his career in the media industry, initially working as an engineer at Empire Broadcasting. He then moved on to roles at NBC and ABC before taking on the position of CEO of Viacom in 1971. Viacom was formed as a spin-off from CBS due to an FCC ruling prohibiting networks from owning cable or syndication businesses. Under Baruch’s leadership, Viacom expanded significantly, acquiring radio and television stations and launching original programming networks such as Showtime and the Cable Health Network, which later became Lifetime Television. One of Baruch’s notable achievements was the acquisition of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment in 1985, bringing MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, and The Movie Channel under Viacom’s umbrella. This acquisition solidified Viacom’s position as a major media conglomerate. Baruch’s contributions to the media industry earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Cable Hall of Fame in 1997 and the National Association of Broadcasters’ Distinguished Service Award in 1998. He passed away on March 3, 2016, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the development of cable television and the modern media landscape? .