King of Content

Sumner Redstone, the influence of 95-year-old patriarch of CBS and Viacom once wielded over the content of film and television screens. Redstone realised the best way to become US media mogul was to grab a territory as he knew what brought to the sunrise Drive-in the Long Island cinema founded by his father Max Rothstein. The content was King, as he used to declare triumphantly after acquiring Paramount Pictures and MTV.

Redstone lies incapacitated in a Beverly Hills mansions, while a battle rages over his empire. Redstone never felt the need to apologise. “ He was ruthless and could do anything to win” according to one of his rivals.

Redstone Family’s theatre chain, bought its way into Hollywood by acquiring film and cable television assets, just as film exhibitors like Warner Brothers had before.

“I think we are alone in the world”, Redstone confessed to a Viacom executive in a vulnerable moment. He ran CBS and Viacom imperiously and was wary of any challengers.

The King of Content by Keach Hagey, Harper $29.99, 370 pages.