• Mediaweek, Tuesday, October 3, 2006 11:45 AM

The combo of CBS Paramount Domestic Television and King World Productions into a new CBS Television Distribution Group may save CBS Corp. some money, but it could cause some headaches, too. And it may not have much impact on the marketplace. Says one industry watcher: "I've spoken to several executives at the two units and none of them saw this coming. I have to believe this was a move by Les [Moonves, CBS Corp. CEO] to impact the financial bottom line." If most of syndication's top-rated programs will now be under the same roof, so will the ad sales units. Some media buyers, along with rival syndicators, said they will not be talked into buying more of the lower-rated Paramount shows in order to the higher-rated King World properties, if that sales tactic is used. Although new CEO Roger King wouldn't say who is taking over, King World's head of ad sales Steve Hirsch is expected to assume the post, while Marc Hirsch--who is no relation, and headed sales at CBS Paramount--is expected to leave.

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