• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, April 15, 2010

Even with 2009's tough financial climate, Viacom saw net earnings up 29% to $1.6 billion. The stock is not far off a 52-week high. And "Jersey Shore: Miami" looks to be a coming hit.

Those factors -- and maybe having to deal with Sumner Redstone -- have helped CEO Philippe Dauman gain a five-year contract extension, through December 2016. He took over in 2006.

Viacom said the majority of Dauman's compensation "continues to be in the form of performance-based awards, which are subject to the achievement of a combination of specific operational and financial targets and shareholder returns."