Viacom’s board of directors will meet Thursday night to discuss settling a series of lawsuits over control of the media conglomerate — deliberations that could lead to the departure of CEO Philippe Dauman.
Settlement talks between Viacom and controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone and other parties have intensified in recent days in anticipation of a Sept. 19 trial over control of the corporation.
Reuters reported that the Viacom board would meet to discuss a settlement ahead of the trial, though the news service also reported that the date of the board meeting was not firm. Those talking about the settlement talks have chosen to remain anonymous because the discussions are confidential.
Variety and other news outlets previously reported that Dauman could receive a severance package of $85 million. A likely replacement as interim CEO is the company’s chief operating officer, Thomas Dooley.
Viacom did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
I hope the next CEO will include more faith-based movies in the lineups.