Redstone Family & CBS News: The Owner’s Son Connection You guys ever wonder about the true power players behind the media giants we consume daily? It’s a fascinating world, often shrouded in a bit of mystery, especially when it comes to who really calls the shots . Today, we’re diving deep into the intriguing connection between the Redstone family and CBS News , specifically trying to unpack what it means when we talk about the ‘owner’s son’ in this massive media empire. It’s not just about a single individual; it’s about a dynasty, a legacy, and the incredible influence a single family can wield over our news and entertainment. So, let’s pull back the curtain and get a real feel for the folks who’ve shaped a significant chunk of what we watch and read. ## The Redstone Family’s Empire: A Deep Dive into National Amusements and Paramount Global Alright, let’s kick things off by really understanding the foundation of this whole shebang: the Redstone family’s empire . This isn’t just some small-time operation, folks; we’re talking about a media colossus. At the heart of it all sits National Amusements , a privately held company that, for decades, has been the controlling shareholder of public giants like Viacom and CBS, which have since merged into what we now know as Paramount Global . Think of National Amusements as the command center, the strategic brain that steered these massive ships. The story really begins with the patriarch, Sumner Redstone . This guy was a force of nature, a visionary, and an incredibly shrewd businessman who transformed his family’s movie theater chain into a global media powerhouse. He had this incredible foresight, understanding that content is king long before it became a ubiquitous catchphrase. From acquiring Viacom in 1987 to taking over CBS in 1999, Sumner systematically built an empire that encompassed film studios (Paramount Pictures), television networks (MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Showtime, and, of course, CBS), and publishing houses. This wasn’t just about buying companies; it was about creating a vertically integrated machine that produced, distributed, and exhibited content across every possible platform. The evolution of Viacom and CBS under Sumner’s leadership was nothing short of legendary. He wasn’t afraid to make big, audacious moves, often challenging established norms and competitors. He had a reputation for being tough, relentless, and absolutely devoted to his business. This relentless drive is what cemented the Redstone family’s controlling stake in what became an undeniable force in media. Even after the initial split of Viacom and CBS in 2006 (a move driven by market dynamics and a desire to unlock shareholder value), National Amusements retained controlling shares in both entities, demonstrating the family’s unwavering grip. This unique dual control meant that the Redstones, through National Amusements, maintained significant power over both companies’ strategic directions, major decisions, and leadership appointments. The eventual reunification of Viacom and CBS in 2019, forming Paramount Global , was a testament to the family’s long-term vision, primarily spearheaded by Sumner’s daughter, Shari Redstone. This merger was aimed at creating a stronger, more competitive entity in the rapidly changing digital landscape, allowing them to better compete with new streaming giants. The journey from a local theater chain to a global media conglomerate like Paramount Global is an incredible saga of ambition, strategic acquisitions, and unwavering family control . It’s crucial to understand that while Paramount Global is a publicly traded company, the Redstone family, through National Amusements, holds a special class of voting shares that gives them decisive control over the company. This means they largely dictate the overall direction, ensuring their legacy and influence continue to shape one of the world’s biggest media entities, including its news division, CBS News. Understanding this intricate web of ownership is key to grasping the power dynamics at play. ## Sumner Redstone’s Vision: The Man Behind the Media Giant Let’s really get to know Sumner Redstone , the absolute titan behind this media empire. When we talk about the ‘owner’s son,’ it’s impossible not to start with the man who built it all . Sumner wasn’t just a businessman; he was a visionary with an almost preternatural ability to spot trends and an unshakeable belief in the power of content. Born in 1923, his journey was far from conventional. He served in World War II, graduated from Harvard Law, and even worked for the U.S. Attorney General’s Office. But his true calling lay in the family business, National Amusements , a chain of movie theaters his father founded. Sumner’s initial foray into the entertainment world began with the simple idea that people would always pay to be entertained . He transformed those theaters, bringing in new technologies and a focus on the customer experience. However, his real genius shone through when he began to understand that owning the content shown in those theaters, and indeed, on television screens, was the key to true power and longevity. His journey into media ownership really took off in the 1980s, driven by an unwavering philosophy: **