PDF Summary:Unscripted, by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams

Unscripted tells the story of the rise and fall of old media moguls amid the seismic shifts that took place in the entertainment industry. Written by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams, the book goes behind the scenes, exposing the clash between forces like Shari Redstone's progressive vision and the entrenched powers led by traditional figures like Les Moonves.

From the clashes in corporate boardrooms to the buried scandals of the #MeToo era, the authors reveal the complex power dynamics that reshaped the media landscape, as revolutionary streaming services like Netflix disrupted old empires like CBS and Viacom. The result was a transformative merger forming Paramount Global, ushered in by a new generation of media leaders.

(continued)...

Holland moved into Sumner's lavish home and was soon acknowledged as his companion at numerous events, where she was frequently referred to as his "caregiver" or "home health care aide," a reflection of societal unease with older men dating younger women and an attempt to mask the reality of their association. The authors portray Holland and Herzer, who lived together, as pivotal characters in Sumner's life, surpassing the roles of mere companions or romantic interests—they became the most influential individuals, first by edging out potential competitors and then by separating him from his family members. Sumner's largesse enabled them to amass wealth, allowing for the purchase of extravagant jewelry, opulent residences, and generous financial gifts, as the authors detail.

In 2014, Stewart and Abrams noted how Holland and Herzer masterminded a plan that resulted in Sumner moving $100 million each from his private equity investments. They orchestrated the circumstances by steering his engagements with legal and medical experts, making it seem as though the rationale for the gifts was a product of his independent choices. The authors argue that there was a misleading story being spread, implying that if Sumner did not bequeath his fortune to his family members, he would end up alone and pass away in seclusion.

Holland and Herzer's scheme collapsed dramatically, culminating in their exclusion from Redstone's will.

The healthcare workers caring for Sumner, worried about their jobs and his health, bravely notified the Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services regarding Holland and Herzer's behavior, and upon noticing an absence of action, they quietly reached out to Shari. The authors portray Holland and Herzer as people who, confident in their firm grasp on Sumner's assets and power, overlooked the possible risks associated with their behavior. Holland began a clandestine affair with George Pilgrim, who was recognized for his contributions to reality TV and his ambitions to write for the screen. Sumner, perhaps influenced by his nickname "the Panther," gifted Holland a gem-encrusted handbag featuring a design of the sleek feline, along with a note expressing his eagerness to advance, a move that highlighted Holland's sincere attempts to win his favor. Holland might have been cognizant of Sumner's limited tolerance for infidelity.

The book's story details the unraveling of Holland's scheme, which began when Pilgrim took notice of Holland and Herzer after reading a flattering Vanity Fair article about them, an event that precipitated their first meeting beside the pool at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel. As Holland's indiscretions became increasingly bold, the information Pilgrim shared with Manuela Herzer's daughter led to Holland confessing the affair to Sumner, which resulted in her being ousted from the Beverly Park estate and cemented Herzer's prevailing sway. Her influence on Sumner's monetary circumstances was short-lived. The same nurses who had earlier confided in Shari turned against Herzer, informing Sumner about her manipulative behavior and urging him to get rid of her, as the author recounts.

Shari Redstone's triumphant efforts to regain control of her family's corporate dynasty and her subsequent triumph over rival groups.

Shari became an unforeseen proponent for forward-thinking corporate leadership and innovation, launching her initiative at Viacom by being instrumental in the ousting of CEO Philippe Dauman, who had strong ties with Sumner, and later at CBS, she contested the entrenched power of Les Moonves and the board members he had selected.

The acrimonious battles for dominion over Sumner Redstone's legacy that ensnared Shari Redstone, Dauman, Holland, and Herzer.

The investigation by Stewart and Abrams examines the intense disagreements over the governance of Sumner Redstone's assets, culminating in a high-profile court battle in Los Angeles that brought up concerns regarding Redstone's mental capacity to change his healthcare proxy from Manuela Herzer to another individual. While the trial focused on Herzer’s future role in Sumner’s life, in many respects it was Shari—whose access Herzer had blocked for more than a year—who was the real target in Herzer’s scorched earth attempt to reclaim her position and her expected inheritance.

Shari Redstone triumphed in her efforts to oust Dauman from his executive role at Viacom.

Shari made efforts to protect her aging father's media empire from being swayed by its chief officer, Philippe Dauman. After publicly contesting Shari's succession to the CBS throne, Dauman joined forces with Holland and Herzer to consolidate his influence and secretly entered into negotiations with a Chinese property developer to sell off a significant portion of the beloved film company, an enterprise carefully cultivated by Sumner—a strategy the authors portray as a betrayal, potentially leading to the disintegration of the empire Sumner had spent years building. Shari believed that it was essential to take bold steps, which might seem excessive to onlookers, by leveraging the perceived deterioration in Sumner's mental acuity to remove Dauman and his colleagues from their positions at National Amusements, thereby regaining control of the overarching company.

Dauman initiated a lawsuit to contest his removal and to probe the cognitive competence of Sumner Redstone; nevertheless, when he could not halt the proceedings, he settled with the Redstone family and left Viacom with a $72 million settlement.

Practical Tips

• You can analyze your family's business dynamics by creating a family tree that includes roles, relationships, and potential conflicts. Start by mapping out your family members and their connections to any family business or shared assets. Note down each person's role and any known disputes or alliances. This visual representation can help you understand the complex interpersonal dynamics at play and prepare for potential succession issues.
• Develop a personal succession plan for your assets by writing a clear will and discussing it with your family. Even if you don't have a media empire, it's important to have a plan for your assets. Draft a will that outlines your wishes and have an open conversation with your family members about it. This can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts after you're gone.
• Practice decision-making skills by setting up a mock board meeting with friends or family. Assign roles such as CEO, CFO, and board members, and simulate a scenario where you have to make a decision about a family asset or business. This exercise can improve your negotiation and decision-making abilities in a low-stakes environment, preparing you for real-life family business situations.

Advancements in technology and shifts in culture have transformed the landscape of media, influencing the ascent and descent of influential individuals such as Les Moonves.

This passage explores how the media industry has evolved, influenced by shifts in societal values and advancements in technology, and illustrated by the ascent and decline of a notable media executive. It follows his journey from the height of conventional broadcast supremacy to its decline with the emergence of streaming platforms such as Netflix, and the significant impact of a critical social movement that highlighted sexual misconduct by powerful individuals and the persistent structures that shielded such behavior.

Les Moonves' rise to a high-profile status in the television sector significantly enhanced the viewership figures for CBS.

The book chronicles Moonves' rise through the ranks of the entertainment industry, culminating in his role at CBS where he became known as an exceptionally successful Hollywood executive. He revolutionized the network's success, catapulting it to the top of the audience ratings, and as a result, he was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as the entertainment industry's most impactful figure. Despite his magnetic charm and adeptness at maneuvering through Hollywood's elite circles, and notwithstanding his knack for pinpointing successful ventures, Moonves epitomized the conventional "old Hollywood" hierarchy, where the chief's verdicts were absolute, women were regarded simply as symbols of triumph, and allegiance was held in the highest regard, reflecting the principles instilled in him by his industry mentor and forerunner.

Moonves excelled in the conventional broadcast approach but was initially hesitant to adopt streaming technology.

The authors portray an individual who shaped his destiny, ascending the success hierarchy through pure determination, initially taking on parts in minor television productions and subsequently encountering obstacles as he sought entry into the movie business in the 1980s. Moonves initially made a name for himself at Lorimar by leading the television division, and his professional ascent continued when he became part of CBS in 1995. During Moonves' tenure, CBS experienced a decade of considerable triumph, all while largely ignoring the rise of the digital realm, the transformation of the media landscape, and the arrival of competitors like Amazon and Netflix. Moonves, who shifted from acting to a more creative focus instead of financial corporate issues, emphasized the key audience measurement metrics that were essential to the advertising revenue of CBS.

Moonves' dynamic approach to leadership sharply differed from Philippe Dauman's analytical management style.

The contrast in demeanor between the dynamic former entertainer Moonves and the scholarly lawyer Dauman underscores the changing anticipations for corporate leaders in today's media landscape. Moonves and Dauman both valued allegiance, found immense satisfaction in their executive positions, and maintained conventional views regarding the position of women in the workplace, all the while relishing the lavish perks accompanying their high-status roles. Under Dauman's leadership, Viacom found it challenging to adjust to the changing landscape of the industry. The company's stock, previously a symbol of Sumner Redstone's success, experienced a substantial decline. Moonves attained considerable accomplishments by strictly following the proven framework he refined throughout his time at the network.

Digital platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have significantly transformed the conventional television industry.

Shari Redstone became known for her more acute understanding of the industry's swift changes than either Moonves or Dauman. The authors chronicle her tenacious attempts to convince the men to alter their strategies in response to the diminishing audience on traditional television and cable networks, a trend propelled by competition from entities like Netflix and Amazon, yet her recommendations were consistently ignored or ridiculed.

Media companies must swiftly adjust their approaches due to the escalating significance of digital strategies in an ever-evolving environment.

Warren Buffet, the respected business tycoon, foresaw the decline of traditional business approaches and thus decided to liquidate his significant investments in the media conglomerate Viacom in the mid-2010s, as documented by Stewart and Abrams. Other investors followed. The market values of the companies diminished, rendering them less appealing to potential acquirers such as Comcast, which had previously acquired the significantly larger NBC Universal, even though they engaged in stock repurchases, actions that were advantageous to the economic well-being of the leadership and other shareholders of CBS and Viacom. The authors document a generational transition, noting that the seasoned board members at CBS clung to a commercial strategy that was becoming progressively obsolete.

The diminishing income from established networks coupled with the increasing trend of younger audiences abandoning traditional cable services.

Stewart and Abrams note that Moonves, who initially championed CBS's reputation as a "small company with a big footprint," ultimately acknowledged the imperative for CBS to grow in response to the massive spending on content by rivals like Netflix and Amazon, who in 2016 earmarked nearly $5 billion for new programming, outstripping the combined programming investments of Viacom and CBS. Under Bakish's leadership, Viacom started to exhibit encouraging signs of revitalization, in part because of the expansion of its digital content distribution service, which prompted Shari Redstone to champion the unification of the two companies.

Les Moonves left his role at CBS after facing allegations linked to the #MeToo movement and assertions of misconduct of a sexual nature.

Shari regarded the consolidation as a logical and necessary action to address the industry's challenges, while Moonves, increasingly feeling besieged and pressured at CBS, confronted a growing threat to his authority that mirrored wider issues of corporate governance – the rise of a movement against sexual harassment and assault. Stewart and Abrams recount how he had narrowly escaped multiple close calls – a television executive's alleged sexual assault detailed in a police report did not lead to charges due to the age of the incident; furthermore, a potential scandal remained concealed as the details of a sexual incident disclosed by a doctor to a member of the CBS board were not revealed. The New Yorker published its first Moonves article on July 27, 2018, in the midst of a high-stakes effort by Moonves and his allies to strip the Redstones of voting control, and Moonves managed to survive with "full support" from CBS's board.

Moonves attempted to ensure that his accusers remained silent by presenting them with opportunities in their careers.

The authors chronicled the sequence of occurrences that unfolded following the publication of the exposé in a well-known magazine. The account detailed how a woman, aware of the aspiring actress Bobbie Phillips and her experience of harassment by Moonves at Warner Brothers, directed her to speak with the investigative reporter, Ronan Farrow. Moonves was cognizant of the potential threat Phillips represented, knowing since December 2017 that she was job hunting and had been in touch with members of the press, even prior to the New Yorker piece being published. The authors detail Marv Dauer's efforts to rejuvenate his client list, which included Phillips, and proposed to Moonves that, in return for confidentiality, he would secure roles at CBS for Phillips along with several other actors he represented.

Moonves sought to elude further adverse attention, especially due to his conflict with Shari. He leveraged CBS's resources to obtain a minor role for Phillips in an upcoming show and captivated Dauer with gifts, attention, and additional promises of obtaining parts for his clients. Although he had different expectations, the result differed from his predictions, as described by the authors. Phillips, who felt demeaned by the role CBS proposed and was further distressed by Moonves's misrepresentation of their exchange as consensual, ultimately made the decision to engage in a conversation with Farrow.

CBS's response to the allegations against Moonves lacked the immediacy seen in the downfall of other figures in the media industry, like Harvey Weinstein.

The book offers a thorough analysis of the methods Moonves used in his failed attempt to shirk accountability for his past deeds, which resulted in his dramatic and costly collapse. The book depicts the governing body of the company as being slow and ill-equipped to address the allegations brought forth by several individuals against Moonves. The board of directors, over a considerable duration, relied on Moonves's account of his misconduct and did not interact with the impacted individuals or attempt to discover their identities, even though they had the information at their disposal. The authors portray the board members as reluctant to tackle troubling accusations, especially when they involve a prominent figure whose counsel has been instrumental to the company's success.

Other Perspectives

• While advancements in technology and cultural shifts have indeed transformed the media industry, it's also true that traditional media still holds significant power and influence, particularly in certain demographics and regions.
• Les Moonves' rise and the viewership figures for CBS could be seen as part of a broader trend in the industry during that time, rather than solely due to his individual contributions.
• Hesitation to adopt streaming technology might have been a strategic decision by Moonves and CBS, based on their understanding of their audience and market conditions at the time.
• The contrast between Moonves' and Dauman's leadership styles could be interpreted as complementary approaches that reflect the diversity of management strategies in the media industry.
• The transformation of the television industry by digital platforms is not solely due to Netflix and Amazon Prime; other factors such as changes in consumer behavior and advancements in mobile technology also play significant roles.
• The urgency for media companies to adjust to digital strategies might be overstated for certain markets or segments where traditional media consumption remains strong.
• The trend of diminishing income from established networks and the abandonment of traditional cable services by younger audiences may not be as universal, with niche and local networks still maintaining a loyal viewer base.
• The departure of Moonves from CBS following #MeToo allegations could be seen within a broader context of legal and societal processes addressing such issues, rather than as an isolated incident.
• The strategy of offering career opportunities to silence accusers, if true, would be unethical; however, without condoning such actions, it's important to consider the legal and procedural aspects of such allegations and the due process for all parties involved.
• The response of CBS to the allegations against Moonves could be critiqued for its pace, but it's also possible that the company was conducting its due diligence and following internal procedures before taking action.

The finalization of the merger between CBS and Viacom, coupled with the complex legal disputes and the characteristic interpersonal relationships within the media industry.

This segment of the narrative demonstrates how the internal preoccupations and intensifying conflicts of the CBS board rendered it ineffective, culminating in a stalemate that was resolved when Moonves stepped down, paving the way for a new era of media consolidation initiated by Shari Redstone.

Courtroom resolutions are crucial in determining corporate dominance and in settling personal disputes.

Stewart and Abrams illustrate that legal battles can be a two-sided weapon that inflicts significant collateral damage on those who wield it, providing few definitive revelations about the internal power dynamics of the Redstone family's media empire.

The contentious legal battles among members of the Redstone family, along with Dauman, Holland, and Herzer, had a considerable impact on media coverage of the issue.

The legal struggle of Herzer to take charge of Sumner Redstone's medical choices attracted worldwide scrutiny, especially because of the explosive details about his personal life and claimed decline revealed in her initial court submission, which intensified skepticism about his capacity to continue leading two publicly traded companies. Her triumph was fleeting. After the judge's adverse decision, she embarked on an expensive and ultimately unsuccessful legal fight to challenge the changes made to his testament. Holland sought to avoid legal entanglements, yet the author recounts the intricate and costly lawsuit she pursued against Sumner Redstone's driver, who revealed her lavish spending and substantial monetary presents to women.

The role played by lawyers like Pierce O'Donnell in shaping the order of events.

The authors document the fierce battle for dominance in the Redstone family, highlighting how a cadre of lawyers with varying and sometimes opposing goals influenced the events within the opulent walls of Sumner Redstone's Beverly Park home and across the media empires of Viacom and CBS. George Abrams was depicted as an essential ally in the narrative, deeply involved in numerous facets of Redstone's personal and corporate affairs, ranging from overseeing divorce litigations to substantial commercial transactions, and initially supported Shari before eventually aligning with Dauman in the contest over Viacom's control. The commencement of legal proceedings came after Shari's lawyer, Rob Klieger, was named a new trustee, leading to Dauman's ouster and subsequently reinforcing Shari's advantageous alliance with Sumner.

The authors portray Klieger as a steadfast ally of Shari, crafting a strategy that effectively resulted in the removal of Dauman, Holland, and Herzer, which in turn restored her sway in her father's affairs and solidified the family's control over power. Klieger's efforts to persuade the other members of the CBS board to pay more heed to the allegations associated with the #MeToo movement targeting Moonves did not succeed. Moonves, accompanied by his legal team, attempted to shape his own future, taking advice from a lawyer named Dan Petrocelli in an effort that ultimately failed.

The complex and often fraught relationships between network executives, producers, talent, and managers

The account of Les Moonves and Bobbie Phillips, as portrayed by Stewart and Abrams, highlights a significant transformation in the media industry: the viewpoints of women like Phillips are now too significant to ignore or downplay in cases of wrongdoing by powerful individuals. The story also underscores Marv Dauer's considerable influence, focusing on the enduring characteristics of the film industry's commercial operations.

The situation serves as a prime example of how Marv Dauer utilized Bobbie Phillips' claims against Moonves to advance the agendas of his additional clientele.

The authors describe how Dauer, in the changing environment of Hollywood where daytime TV viewership was waning, seized an opportunity that arose with the rise of the #MeToo movement. He earned Moonves's confidence by promising that Phillips would keep quiet, despite her increasing frustration with Moonves for describing their encounter as "consensual" while failing to offer her any chances to act.

Stewart and Abrams detail Dauer's negotiations to secure various items from Moonves, including a signed baseball bat for his son and arranging an encounter for his top client Eva LaRue, all the while keeping Moonves updated on his latest concerns regarding media questions. His determination was rewarded when the work from his client, previously hindered, started to move forward unexpectedly after being stalled by an unhappy customer. Dauer opened the door for LaRue's audition for a major CBS program, with Moonves personally reaching out to Peter Golden, the network's casting director, to set up Phillips' tryout.

In the film industry, the importance of private networks and confidential conversations in finalizing deals and maintaining a good standing is critical.

The authors highlight the importance of personal networks and alliances in the movie business, as demonstrated by Marv Dauer's efforts to land a part for his client on a CBS program, mirroring the customs and loyalty valued by prominent individuals in the 1990s, similar to the practices within Sumner Redstone's influential group. As the authors recount, the head of CBS casting, Peter Golden, said Moonves contacted him directly about Bobbie Phillips. Dauer's association with Moonves underscores the importance of casual social events for those new to the industry, as the authors point out his regular attendance at these functions, using his charm and astuteness to forge connections with emerging talents and create networks essential for advancing one's career.

Guided by Shari Redstone, CBS and Viacom merged successfully, creating Paramount Global.

Stewart and Abrams chronicle how Shari Redstone's longstanding ambition culminated in the merger that formed the media titan known as Paramount Global.

The merger was significantly influenced by the evolving dynamics of the industry, particularly due to the rise of major streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon.

The author details the aftermath of the failed effort by Moonves and his fellow board members to reduce the influence of the Redstone family, highlighting CBS's apparent incapacity for autonomous operation. As the competition among leading streaming services intensified through substantial investments in original content, the traditional broadcasting strategy, once mastered by Moonves, was increasingly falling out of favor. CBS needed to expand in order to preserve its position in the market.

Shari Redstone consistently championed the idea of merging the companies, which was a stark contrast to Les Moonves's initial resistance.

Shari Redstone was a steadfast proponent of merging the companies, maintaining her position despite her father's prior insistence on keeping them separate and his explicit remarks that minimized her role in overseeing the family's business empire. Shari contemplated selling off the Redstone family's interest in National Amusements following opposition from Moonves and other board members to her proposed merger of the two companies. Following Moonves' exit in September 2018, the two companies settled their disagreements, thereby concluding the acrimonious legal battles that had been hindering their advancement.

Other Perspectives

• The merger between CBS and Viacom, while influenced by industry dynamics, may also have been driven by the desire for increased market power and control, which could potentially stifle competition.
• Shari Redstone's advocacy for the merger might be seen not only as strategic but also as a consolidation of power that could limit diverse leadership within the media industry.
• Courtroom resolutions, while crucial, can sometimes reflect the power imbalances in the legal system and may not always lead to the most equitable outcomes for all parties involved.
• The media coverage of the legal battles within the Redstone family could be criticized for focusing too much on sensational details rather than the substantive issues affecting shareholders and the industry at large.
• The influence of lawyers like Pierce O'Donnell might raise questions about the extent to which legal strategies overshadow business acumen and ethical considerations in corporate governance.
• The portrayal of complex relationships in the media industry might overlook the potential for positive, collaborative interactions that can drive innovation and success.
• The emphasis on private networks and confidential conversations in the film industry could be critiqued for perpetuating a culture of exclusivity and potentially unethical practices.
• The success of the CBS and Viacom merger under Shari Redstone's guidance could be challenged by suggesting that long-term success is not guaranteed and that the merger could face unforeseen challenges in a rapidly changing media landscape.