CBS Media Ventures

CBS Media Ventures
source
Name	CBS Media Ventures
Former name	CBS Television Distribution (2006–2020), King World Productions (1964–2007), Viacom (1971–2006)
Foundation	26 September 2006 (as CBS Television Distribution)
Location	New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Steve LoCascio (President)
Parent	CBS Studios
Industry	Television syndication
Homepage	https://www.cbsmediaventures.com/

Contents

History
Operations
Programming
Former operations
See also

CBS Media Ventures. It is the television syndication arm of CBS Studios, itself a division of Paramount Global. The unit is responsible for the domestic distribution, sales, and marketing for a vast library of programming, including first-run syndicated television series, off-network series, and made-for-television films. It is a successor to several major syndication powerhouses, most notably King World Productions and the original Viacom enterprise, and operates as a key content licensing and production entity within the broader CBS television network ecosystem.

History

The lineage traces back to the founding of Viacom in 1971, which was spun off from CBS to comply with FCC rules limiting network ownership of syndication rights. Under the leadership of figures like Sumner Redstone, Viacom became a syndication giant, distributing hits like I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners. In a major expansion, CBS acquired King World Productions in 1999, known for blockbuster shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Following the split of Viacom and CBS Corporation in 2006, the syndication assets were consolidated under the new banner of CBS Television Distribution. This entity was renamed in 2020 to better reflect its broader role beyond traditional distribution, encompassing content development and multi-platform sales under the Paramount Global umbrella.

Operations

The company functions as the primary syndication and licensing engine for CBS-produced content. Its core business involves selling broadcast rights to its programming library to local television stations across the United States, including affiliates of Fox, NBC, and ABC, as well as independent stations. Beyond traditional syndication, it also licenses content to cable television networks, streaming platforms, and international broadcasters. Key operational divisions handle advertising sales for its first-run programming, barter syndication, and the production of new syndicated series. It works closely with sister divisions like CBS News and CBS Entertainment to develop and distribute programming.

Programming

It manages an extensive and influential programming portfolio. Its first-run syndication slate has included long-running successes such as the talk shows Dr. Phil and The Drew Barrymore Show, the court show Judge Judy, and the entertainment news program Entertainment Tonight. The off-network library features iconic series like Everybody Loves Raymond, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Blue Bloods. It also distributes a large catalog of television films and specials. Many programs are produced in association with prominent personalities and production companies, such as Harpo Productions and Entertainment Studios.

Former operations

Prior to corporate reorganizations, the division's predecessors engaged in several ventures that were later spun off or discontinued. The original Viacom once owned major cable television networks like MTV and Nickelodeon, which were transferred to the separate Viacom media conglomerate in 2006. The division also previously handled the international distribution of some CBS properties, a function largely assumed by CBS Studios International. Furthermore, certain in-house production labels and ancillary businesses related to home video and merchandising have been absorbed by other units within Paramount Global over time.

CBS Media Ventures

History

Operations

Programming

Former operations

See also