For several quarterly conference calls now CBS Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone has introduced company President and CEO Les Moonves as a “genius,” much to the embarrassment of Moonves. But the CEO isn’t shy about predicting continued growth across the company’s various units.
In Wednesday’s (2/15) call Moonves noted that just a few years ago there was no money coming in from retransmission consent fees or from affiliate reverse comp – both now major revenue sources. And he predicted that they will continue to grow significantly in coming years. Meanwhile, the CBS Network has the most successful lineup on television – and he got a jab in at Fox by noting that “The Big Bang Theory” is now beating “American Idol” – and is getting most of the scatter business because of the lack of make-goods.
As for the local business, Moonves is bullish on the O&O TV stations and CBS Radio as well.
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Looking ahead to 2013, Moonves said prices for the Super Bowl (back at CBS in the rotation) may hit $4 million per spot.
