Les Moonves - Revision history

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	{{Infobox CEO		{{Infobox CEO
	\| name = Les Moonves		\| name = Les Moonves
	\| image = [[File:Les_Moonves.jpg\|300px]]		\| image = [[File:Les_Moonves.jpg\|300px]]
	\| caption = Les Moonves in 2017		\| caption = Les Moonves in 2017
	\| birth_name = Leslie Roy Moonves		\| birth_name = Leslie Roy Moonves
	\| birth_date = October 6, 1949		\| birth_date = October 6, 1949
	\| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, United States		\| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, United States
	\| nationality = United States American		\| nationality = United States American
	\| education = Bucknell University (B.A. in Spanish, 1971)		\| education = Bucknell University (B.A. In Spanish, 1971)
	\| alma_mater = Bucknell University		\| alma_mater = Bucknell University
	\| occupation = Former media executive, producer		\| occupation = Former media executive, producer
	\| title = Former Chairman and CEO		\| title = Former Chairman and CEO
	\| company = [[CBS Corporation]] (~~2006–2018~~)		\| company = [[CBS Corporation]] (2006-2018)
	\| boards = ZeniMax Media (former)		\| boards = ZeniMax Media (former)
	\| spouse = Nancy Wiesenfeld (m. 1978; div. 2004)<br>Julie Chen (m. 2004)		\| spouse = Nancy Wiesenfeld (m. 1978; div. 2004)<br>Julie Chen (m. 2004)
	\| partner =		\| partner =
	\| children = 4 (3 from first marriage, 1 with Chen)		\| children = 4 (3 from first marriage, 1 with Chen)
	\| residence = Los Angeles, California		\| residence = Los Angeles, California
	\| networth = $400 million (estimated, 2024)		\| networth = $400 million (estimated, 2024)
	\| signature =		\| signature =
	\| website =		\| website =
	}}		}}

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	== Career ==		== Career ==

	=== Early career (~~1971–1995~~) ===		=== Early career (1971-1995) ===

	After deciding not to pursue acting full-time, Moonves worked in various entertainment industry positions:		After deciding not to pursue acting full-time, Moonves worked in various entertainment industry positions:
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	His track record of hit programming established him as one of the most sought-after executives in television.		His track record of hit programming established him as one of the most sought-after executives in television.

	=== CBS Entertainment (~~1995–2003~~) ===		=== CBS Entertainment (1995-2003) ===

	In 1995, Moonves joined CBS as president of CBS Entertainment, the network's programming division. At the time, CBS was the lowest-rated major broadcast network, with an aging audience and declining relevance.		In 1995, Moonves joined CBS as president of CBS Entertainment, the network's programming division. At the time, CBS was the lowest-rated major broadcast network, with an aging audience and declining relevance.
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	By 2001, CBS had risen from last place to become the most-watched network in America, a position it would hold for most of Moonves's tenure. The network's programming strategy of procedural dramas and reality competitions proved enormously successful both in ratings and advertising revenue.		By 2001, CBS had risen from last place to become the most-watched network in America, a position it would hold for most of Moonves's tenure. The network's programming strategy of procedural dramas and reality competitions proved enormously successful both in ratings and advertising revenue.

	=== CBS Television President (~~2003–2006~~) ===		=== CBS Television President (2003-2006) ===

	Moonves was promoted to chairman of CBS Television in 2003, overseeing not just the entertainment division but all of CBS's television operations. He continued expanding the network's hit programming:		Moonves was promoted to chairman of CBS Television in 2003, overseeing not just the entertainment division but all of CBS's television operations. He continued expanding the network's hit programming:
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	* '''The Big Bang Theory''' (2007)		* '''The Big Bang Theory''' (2007)

	=== CBS Corporation CEO (~~2006–2018~~) ===		=== CBS Corporation CEO (2006-2018) ===

	In January 2006, following Viacom's split into two companies (Viacom and CBS Corporation), Moonves became president and CEO of the newly independent CBS Corporation. He was later named chairman of the board.		In January 2006, following Viacom's split into two companies (Viacom and CBS Corporation), Moonves became president and CEO of the newly independent CBS Corporation. He was later named chairman of the board.
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	* Sara Moonves		* Sara Moonves
	* Michael Moonves		* Michael Moonves
	* Adam Moonves		* Adam Moonves

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	Moonves began dating CBS personality Julie Chen while still married to his first wife. Chen was host of ''The Early Show'' and later became moderator of ''The Talk''.		Moonves began dating CBS personality Julie Chen while still married to his first wife. Chen was host of ''The Early Show'' and later became moderator of ''The Talk''.

	They married on December 23, 2004, shortly after his divorce was finalized. The relationship drew scrutiny due to the power ~~imbalance—Moonves~~ was Chen's ~~boss—though~~ both have maintained the relationship was appropriate.		They married on December 23, 2004, shortly after his divorce was finalized. The relationship drew scrutiny due to the power imbalance - Moonves was Chen's boss - though both have maintained the relationship was appropriate.

	The couple has one son together:		The couple has one son together:

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	== References ==		== References ==
			{{Reflist}}

	* {{cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/ \|title=Les Moonves Coverage \|publisher=Forbes \|access-date=December 8, 2024}}		* {{cite web \|url=https://www.forbes.com/ \|title=Les Moonves Coverage \|publisher=Forbes \|access-date=December 8, 2024}}

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	\| birth_date = October 6, 1949		\| birth_date = October 6, 1949
	\| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, United States		\| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, United States
	\| nationality = ~~{{flag\|~~United States}} American		\| nationality = United States American
	\| education = Bucknell University (B.A. in Spanish, 1971)		\| education = Bucknell University (B.A. in Spanish, 1971)
	\| alma_mater = Bucknell University		\| alma_mater = Bucknell University

Maintenance script: Created comprehensive CEO article: CBS CEO 2006-2018, transformed CBS to #1 network, resigned amid #MeToo allegations, married to Julie Chen, denied $120M severance

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Created comprehensive CEO article: CBS CEO 2006-2018, transformed CBS to #1 network, resigned amid #MeToo allegations, married to Julie Chen, denied $120M severance

New page

{{Infobox CEO
| name = Les Moonves
| image = [[File:Les_Moonves.jpg|300px]]
| caption = Les Moonves in 2017
| birth_name = Leslie Roy Moonves
| birth_date = October 6, 1949
| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, United States
| nationality = {{flag|United States}} American
| education = Bucknell University (B.A. in Spanish, 1971)
| alma_mater = Bucknell University
| occupation = Former media executive, producer
| title = Former Chairman and CEO
| company = [[CBS Corporation]] (2006–2018)
| boards = ZeniMax Media (former)
| spouse = Nancy Wiesenfeld (m. 1978; div. 2004)<br>Julie Chen (m. 2004)
| partner =
| children = 4 (3 from first marriage, 1 with Chen)
| residence = Los Angeles, California
| networth = $400 million (estimated, 2024)
| signature =
| website =
}}

'''Leslie Roy Moonves''' (born October 6, 1949) is a former American media executive who served as chairman of the board, president, and CEO of [[CBS Corporation]] from 2006 until his resignation in September 2018 following multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault. During his tenure, he transformed CBS from a struggling broadcast network into the most-watched network in America and one of the most profitable media companies in the world.

Moonves resigned from CBS in September 2018 after at least 12 women accused him of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliatory behavior spanning decades. An independent investigation by CBS found evidence supporting the allegations, and the company subsequently denied Moonves his $120 million severance package. His downfall became one of the most prominent cases of the #MeToo movement in the corporate media industry.

== Early life and education ==

Leslie Roy Moonves was born on October 6, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, to Josephine and Herman Moonves. His father was a gas station owner. The family was Jewish, and Moonves was raised in Valley Stream, New York, on Long Island.

Moonves attended Valley Stream Central High School, where he was an active participant in school theater and student government. He graduated from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania in 1971 with a degree in Spanish. At Bucknell, he continued his interest in theater and considered pursuing an acting career.

After college, Moonves moved to Manhattan to pursue acting, studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. He appeared in small stage roles and commercials but found limited success as a performer. This experience led him to transition into the business side of entertainment.

== Career ==

=== Early career (1971–1995) ===

After deciding not to pursue acting full-time, Moonves worked in various entertainment industry positions:

* Casting director for soap operas
* Development executive at Columbia Pictures Television
* Senior vice president at Lorimar Television

At Lorimar, Moonves oversaw the development of several successful television series. His ability to identify programming concepts with broad appeal caught the attention of industry executives.

In 1995, Moonves was recruited to Warner Bros. Television, where he served as president of entertainment. During his tenure, he was responsible for developing:

* ''ER''
* ''Friends''
* ''The Drew Carey Show''
* Various other NBC programming (produced by Warner Bros.)

His track record of hit programming established him as one of the most sought-after executives in television.

=== CBS Entertainment (1995–2003) ===

In 1995, Moonves joined CBS as president of CBS Entertainment, the network's programming division. At the time, CBS was the lowest-rated major broadcast network, with an aging audience and declining relevance.

Moonves immediately set about revamping CBS's programming:

'''Programming strategy'''

Rather than competing directly with NBC and Fox for younger audiences, Moonves pursued a strategy of targeting older, more affluent viewers who advertisers valued:

* Introduced successful procedural dramas including ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' (2000), which spawned a franchise
* Developed ''NCIS'' (2003), which became one of the most-watched series in television history
* Acquired ''Survivor'' (2000), launching CBS's reality television dominance
* Brought ''The Amazing Race'' (2001)
* Continued successful comedies including ''Everybody Loves Raymond''

'''Ratings turnaround'''

By 2001, CBS had risen from last place to become the most-watched network in America, a position it would hold for most of Moonves's tenure. The network's programming strategy of procedural dramas and reality competitions proved enormously successful both in ratings and advertising revenue.

=== CBS Television President (2003–2006) ===

Moonves was promoted to chairman of CBS Television in 2003, overseeing not just the entertainment division but all of CBS's television operations. He continued expanding the network's hit programming:

* '''CSI: Miami''' (2002) and '''CSI: NY''' (2004)
* '''Two and a Half Men''' (2003)
* '''How I Met Your Mother''' (2005)
* '''Criminal Minds''' (2005)
* '''The Big Bang Theory''' (2007)

=== CBS Corporation CEO (2006–2018) ===

In January 2006, following Viacom's split into two companies (Viacom and CBS Corporation), Moonves became president and CEO of the newly independent CBS Corporation. He was later named chairman of the board.

'''Expansion and diversification'''

Under Moonves's leadership, CBS Corporation expanded beyond broadcast television:

* Built CBS Interactive, including acquisitions like CNET and GameSpot
* Expanded Showtime premium cable network
* Launched CBS All Access streaming service (2014), one of the first broadcast network streaming platforms
* Developed CBS Sports and CBS News as profit centers
* Grew CBS's owned-and-operated television stations group

'''Financial performance'''

Moonves was widely credited with maximizing CBS's profitability:

* Negotiated aggressive retransmission fees from cable and satellite providers
* Maintained CBS as the most-watched network for most of his tenure
* Grew advertising rates based on strong ratings
* Stock price increased significantly during his tenure

'''Compensation'''

Moonves was one of the highest-paid executives in media:

* 2017 compensation: approximately $69.3 million
* Lifetime CBS compensation exceeded $1 billion
* Negotiated contracts that made him one of the highest-paid non-founder CEOs in any industry

=== Downfall and resignation (2018) ===

==== #MeToo allegations ====

On July 27, 2018, ''The New Yorker'' published an investigative report by Ronan Farrow detailing allegations from six women who accused Moonves of sexual harassment and sexual assault dating back to the 1980s. The allegations included:

* Forcible kissing and touching
* Demanding sexual favors in exchange for career advancement
* Retaliating against women who rebuffed his advances

Moonves initially denied the allegations, stating: "I recognize that there were times decades ago when I may have made some women uncomfortable by making advances. Those were mistakes, and I regret them immensely."

==== Second wave of allegations ====

On September 9, 2018, ''The New Yorker'' published a second report with additional allegations from six more women, bringing the total to at least 12 accusers. The new allegations included claims of assault and more recent misconduct, undermining Moonves's characterization of his behavior as historical.

==== Resignation ====

Later on September 9, 2018, Moonves resigned from CBS Corporation. The company initially announced that his departure was subject to a determination regarding $120 million in severance pay.

==== Investigation findings ====

CBS retained two law firms, Debevoise & Plimpton and Covington & Burling, to conduct an independent investigation. The investigation found:

* Evidence that Moonves had violated company policies
* Evidence that Moonves had been untruthful with investigators
* Evidence of attempts to interfere with the investigation, including by deleting text messages
* Corroboration of numerous allegations

In December 2018, the CBS board voted to deny Moonves his $120 million severance package based on the investigation's findings.

==== Subsequent developments ====

* Moonves filed for arbitration to recover his severance, a process that continued for several years
* Multiple women filed lawsuits related to Moonves's conduct
* Criminal investigations were reportedly conducted but did not result in charges due to statute of limitations issues
* Moonves has largely remained out of public view since his resignation

== Personal life ==

=== First marriage ===

Moonves married Nancy Wiesenfeld in 1978. They had three children together:

* Sara Moonves
* Michael Moonves
* Adam Moonves

The marriage ended in divorce in 2004 after 26 years. Reports indicated the divorce was contentious.

=== Marriage to Julie Chen ===

Moonves began dating CBS personality Julie Chen while still married to his first wife. Chen was host of ''The Early Show'' and later became moderator of ''The Talk''.

They married on December 23, 2004, shortly after his divorce was finalized. The relationship drew scrutiny due to the power imbalance—Moonves was Chen's boss—though both have maintained the relationship was appropriate.

The couple has one son together:

* Charlie Moonves (b. 2009)

Chen stood by her husband following the allegations, announcing on ''The Talk'' that she supported him. She subsequently left the program but continued hosting ''Big Brother'', which airs on CBS. She began signing off the show as "Julie Chen Moonves" in a show of support for her husband.

=== Religious faith ===

Moonves is Jewish. His wife Julie Chen has stated she is Christian. They have raised their son with exposure to both faiths.

== Controversies ==

=== Sexual misconduct allegations ===

The allegations against Moonves spanned from the 1980s through the 2000s:

* ''Actress Illeana Douglas'' - alleged forced kissing and touching during a 1997 meeting, followed by retaliatory career damage
* ''Writer/producer Janet Jones'' - alleged forced kissing and touching in 1985
* ''Multiple other women'' - various allegations of unwanted advances and retaliation

The pattern described by accusers suggested predatory behavior that lasted decades and was enabled by Moonves's power within the industry.

=== Charlie Rose ===

Moonves faced criticism for the company's handling of allegations against ''CBS This Morning'' host Charlie Rose, who was fired in November 2017 after numerous women accused him of sexual harassment. Questions were raised about what CBS management, including Moonves, knew about Rose's behavior before the public allegations.

=== 60 Minutes culture ===

The ''60 Minutes'' news program faced scrutiny over its workplace culture during and after Moonves's tenure, including allegations that longtime producer Jeff Fager (who was also dismissed) created a hostile environment for women.

=== Corporate governance ===

Moonves's relationship with Shari Redstone, daughter of Viacom and CBS controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone, was contentious. Moonves reportedly opposed the potential re-merger of CBS and Viacom that Shari Redstone favored, leading to legal battles over corporate control.

== Legacy ==

Les Moonves's legacy is deeply complicated:

'''Business achievements'''

* Transformed CBS from last place to first in ratings
* Built CBS Corporation into a highly profitable media company
* Pioneered retransmission fee strategies that changed broadcast television economics
* Successfully launched early streaming initiatives

'''Cultural impact'''

* Shaped American television for two decades
* Launched numerous hit programs that defined their eras
* Mentored many executives who went on to lead other media companies

'''#MeToo implications'''

* His downfall became a defining case of the #MeToo movement in corporate America
* Demonstrated that even the most powerful executives could be held accountable
* Raised questions about corporate governance and board oversight of executive behavior
* His case influenced how companies handle harassment allegations

== See also ==

* [[CBS Corporation]]
* [[Sumner Redstone]]
* [[Julie Chen]]
* [[#MeToo movement]]

== References ==

* {{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/ |title=Les Moonves Coverage |publisher=Forbes |access-date=December 8, 2024}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.newyorker.com/ |title=Ronan Farrow Investigation |publisher=The New Yorker |access-date=December 8, 2024}}
* {{cite news |url=https://variety.com/ |title=Les Moonves Coverage |publisher=Variety |access-date=December 8, 2024}}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ |title=Les Moonves Coverage |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=December 8, 2024}}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/ |title=CBS Investigation Coverage |publisher=The New York Times |access-date=December 8, 2024}}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/ |title=Les Moonves Coverage |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=December 8, 2024}}

[[Category:Chief executive officers]]
[[Category:Media executives]]
[[Category:CBS]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Sexual harassment controversies]]