CBS's Setbacks Are Offset By Smart Streaming Plans
For proof that CBS can thrive after the Les Moonves era, keep an eye on content licensing and subscription-video apps.
“They just want more, and so let's give it to them.”
Photographer: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
CBS Corp. is known for creating some of the most popular shows on television, a skill that was long credited to Les Moonves, its now disgraced former chief. Now that he’s gone, the company is desperate to prove it can maintain its reputation in showbiz. So far, it’s faced setbacks, but it’s also putting forth some intriguing ideas.
CBS’s programming prowess always seemed inextricably linked to Moonves, who remained deeply involved in the creative side of the TV network in a way that other media CEOs aren’t. He made himself indispensable to the point that some insiders appeared willing to look past the risks that his alleged sexual misconduct and abuse of power levied on CBS. Removing Moonves from his post will never have not been the right decision. But that’s left CBS to face the consequences of having made him the anchor of the $18 billion company and not preparing for the large void he’d leave.