CBS CEO Leslie Moonves shot down rumors Thursday that a merger may be in the works for the network, the New York Post reports.
The latest speculation, the report notes, is about a reunion with Viacom, CBS’s former corporate sibling. Speaking with analysts, Moonves reportedly said, “Some of those who suggest the combination will give [the combined companies] more clout as the distributors potentially come together” are mistaken.
Moonves added: “We think we have quite a bit of clout. We don’t need any partners.”
The report notes that a “bullish” Moonves is already pumping up CBS’s coverage of next year’s Super Bowl.
“The game, which will be aired by CBS, will have 30-second ad spots costing between $5 million and $6 million, Moonves estimated, basing his prediction on the ratings of this year’s game on NBC — the highest-rated TV show in history,” the Post reports.
CBS reported a 3% increase in quarterly revenue, with “Thursday Night Football” contributing to the gain.
“The company’s revenue increased to $3.68 billion in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 from $3.57 billion a year earlier,” the Post report notes.
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