The Secret Net Worth of Shari Redstone: How She Built Her Billion-Dollar Media Empire

Shari Redstone is one of the most influential women in the entertainment industry. Born on April 14, 1954, in Washington, D.C., she grew up in a family surrounded by media moguls, as her father, Sumner Redstone, was the founder of the media company Viacom. Over the years, Shari has become an accomplished media executive in her own right, and her net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion. In this blog post, we will explore how she built her billion-dollar media empire, looking at some of the key aspects that have contributed to her success.

Early Life & Education

Shari Redstone was born into a family of wealth and privilege, with her father being a prominent businessman in the media industry. She grew up in an environment where media was constantly present, and as such, it is no surprise that she developed an interest in the industry from a young age. After graduating from Tufts University with a BA in Psychology, she went on to earn a degree in Law from Boston University.

Entry into the Media Industry

After completing her education, Shari worked as an attorney for a few years before entering the media industry. Her first job in the industry was at National Amusements, a company owned by her family, which operated movie theaters across the United States. She quickly rose through the ranks, and by the 1990s, she had become the President of National Amusements.

Leadership at Viacom

In the late 1990s, Shari’s father, Sumner, acquired CBS and merged it with Viacom. After the merger, Shari took on a leadership position at Viacom, serving as Vice-Chairman of the company. During this time, she played a major role in helping to steer the company through a period of significant growth, and she was widely regarded as one of the most influential executives in the industry.

Succession and Legal Battles

In recent years, Shari has been involved in a series of legal battles regarding the succession of her father’s businesses. She has been pitted against other members of her family as they fought over the control of Viacom and CBS. In 2018, she emerged victorious, after reaching a settlement in which she gained control of both companies.

Investment in Streaming

After taking control of Viacom and CBS, Shari has continued to make significant investments in the streaming industry. She has launched a streaming service called “Paramount+” that features content from both Viacom and CBS. This investment in the streaming industry has paid off, as Paramount+ has garnered significant success in the growing streaming landscape.

Advocacy for Women

In addition to her significant contributions to the media industry, Shari is also known for her advocacy for women in the workplace. She has spoken out about the importance of promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and she has been recognized for her work in this area.

Awards and Recognition

Shari Redstone’s contributions to the media industry have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including being named to the Forbes list of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” multiple times.

Philanthropy

In addition to her work in the media industry, Shari is also a noted philanthropist. She has donated significant sums of money to charitable causes, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the American Heart Association, and the Trevor Project.

Conclusion

Shari Redstone’s journey to becoming one of the most successful media executives in the world is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the industry. From her early days at National Amusements to her leadership positions at Viacom and CBS, she has shown that she has the knowledge and expertise to navigate complex business environments. Through her advocacy for women and her philanthropic work, she has also shown that she is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

FAQs:

Q1. What is Shari Redstone’s net worth?
A1. Shari Redstone’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

Q2. Where did Shari Redstone go to college?
A2. Shari Redstone graduated from Tufts University with a BA in Psychology, and went on to earn a degree in Law from Boston University.

Q3. What is National Amusements and what role did it play in Shari Redstone’s career?
A3. National Amusements is a company owned by the Redstone family that operates movie theaters across the United States. Shari Redstone worked for the company before entering the media industry, and quickly rose through the ranks to become its President.

Q4. What is Paramount+?
A4. Paramount+ is a streaming service launched by Shari Redstone that features content from both Viacom and CBS.

Q5. What philanthropic causes does Shari Redstone support?
A5. Shari Redstone has donated significant sums of money to charitable causes, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the American Heart Association, and the Trevor Project.