Viacom, Incorporated is one of the biggest media conglomerates in the world. It is rated 66th, among fortune 500 companies. (Fortune 500 Magazine Website) Viacom's products are marketed to more than 100 countries around the world, making it a global leader in several industries (Hoover).
             This empire is built on diversification and thrives on takeovers. It operates using a product division structure and has multiple corporate managers that operate their own divisions. It is a diversified worldwide entertainment company and is, in every sense of the word, synergistic. Viacom is especially synergistic in the television and broadcasting areas because their businesses span from movies, television, radio, to the Internet. For example, they can show Paramount films on their cable networks (Showtime and Cinemax) or promote their films over their radio stations.
             Viacom is the result of mergers and acquisitions dating back nearly 90 years. The company has its financial tentacles in movies, television, cable, radio, the Internet, and outdoor advertising
             In 1996, a major event occurred that would continue Viacom's rise to a media conglomerate status: Sumner Redstone became Viacom's CEO (CJR). Redstone controlled 68% of its stock through his National Amusements Theater chain.
             Viacom's principal activities are tied to broadcasting and the entertainment industry. The company operates through five segments: Television, Video, Cable Networks, Infinity, and Entertainment. The Television segment consists of broadcast television networks. The Video segment operates and franchises BlockBuster video stores worldwide (CBS MarketWatch). It should be noted that Viacom is currently working on divesting itself from this division. The Cable networks division owns and operates cable television program services. Viacom's Infinity division owns and operates 185 radio stations along wi
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