divisions merged

Viacom announced last week it has formed CBS Paramount International Television by merging the company’s two television sales and distribution entities: CBS Broadcast International and Paramount International Television. Former CBS Broadcast International President Armando Nu ‘ez Jr. has been named to head the new division. Gary Marenzi, who has run Paramount International Television since 1997, will leave the company. “This was the most obvious redundancy in the company,” Leslie Moonves, Viacom co-president and co-chief operating officer, told TelevisionWeek. Mr. Moonves was quick to say that Viacom’s domestic syndication arms, CBS Enterprises (which includes King World Productions) and Paramount Domestic Television Distribution, would not merge anytime soon. He said it was “way too early” to discuss the merger of any other Viacom companies. Mr. Nu ‘ez told TelevisionWeek he has not made any immediate decisions about changing the employment makeup of the company through consolidation. “The efficiencies will become apparent as we move forward,” he said. “That will evolve.” n

-CHRISTOPHER LISOTTA