The New York-based media company is also in talks with
Oscar-nominated producer Michael De Luca to be Gianopulos's No.
2, in charge of film production, the Journal said late
Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. (http://on.wsj.com/2lCn23u)
Viacom, which has struggled with declining domestic advertising
revenue and poor ratings, said last month that it would focus on
its Paramount movie studio and five of its cable television
brands as part of a turnaround plan.
If appointed, Gianopulos will replace Brad Grey who stepped down
last month after leading Paramount for 12 years.
Viacom has been at the center of a power struggle in the past
year with controlling shareholder, Sumner Redstone, and his
daughter, Shari, and the company's former chief executive,
Philippe Dauman.
Gianopulos and De Luca could be officially named as soon as the
end of this week, the Journal added.
The news was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter and
Variety.
Gianopulos, who was replaced last year at Fox by Stacey Snider,
has been a top prospect for several jobs in Hollywood, according
to the Journal.
Viacom declined to comment.
(Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Martina
D'Couto)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
![](column_spacer.png) |
|