CBS head Les Moonves putting deals under construction
By CLAIRE ATKINSON AND JOSH KOSMAN
Last Updated: 5:57 AM, January 21, 2013
Posted: 11:35 PM, January 20, 2013
CBS head honcho Les Mooves is looking to ramp up dealmaking as part of an overhaul of his old-growth media company.
His first step — a spinoff of the billboard division — has sparked talk that CBS Radio will be the next to hit the market.
While CBS insists radio is a core business, industry insiders believe Moonves is open to a sale of the station group as he looks to reduce the company’s reliance on advertising and shed slower growth businesses.
“He’s trying to diversify. He’s actively looking. He’s got to do something,” said a top entertainment executive. “And he’s not being shy.”
Sources said that while a sale of the radio unit isn’t imminent, it could happen in the next 12 to 24 months. Cumulus boss Lew Dickey, who runs the second-largest radio station group after Clear Channel, has already sent out feelers to No. 3 CBS Radio, sources said.
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