Who owns entertainment tonight?
Entertainment Tonight is a popular American television newsmagazine show that focuses on news, interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the entertainment industry. The show has been on the air for over four decades and has become a pop culture staple. With its wide reach and influence, many wonders who owns Entertainment Tonight.
In this article, we will explore the ownership of Entertainment Tonight, including its history, current ownership, and the impact of ownership on the show’s content and audience.
History of Entertainment Tonight:
Entertainment Tonight (ET) was created by Al Masini in 1981. The show was initially produced by the former PBS affiliate in Los Angeles, KTLA, and was syndicated by Paramount Domestic Television (now CBS Television Distribution). The show quickly became popular and was eventually picked up by over 200 stations across the United States.
Over the years, Entertainment Tonight has evolved to include more segments, such as celebrity interviews, red-carpet events, and movie previews. The show has expanded its reach beyond the United States and is now broadcast in over 30 countries worldwide.
Current Ownership of Entertainment Tonight:
CBS Media Ventures, a subsidiary of CBS Corporation, currently own Entertainment Tonight. CBS Media Ventures also owns popular television shows like The Doctors, Inside Edition, and Rachael Ray. CBS Corporation is a mass media company that owns various television networks, including CBS, Showtime, and The CW, as well as radio stations and online platforms.
CBS Corporation was formed in 2005 when Viacom split into two separate companies, Viacom and CBS Corporation. CBS Corporation was created to focus on television and radio broadcasting, while Viacom focused on cable television and film production. CBS Corporation has undergone various mergers and acquisitions, including its recent merger with Viacom in 2019.
Impact of Ownership on Entertainment Tonight:
The ownership of Entertainment Tonight by CBS Media Ventures has positively and negatively impacted the show. On the positive side, CBS Media Ventures provides the resources and funding necessary to produce a high-quality show with a wide reach. The ownership also allows for the cross-promotion of Entertainment Tonight with other CBS-owned shows and platforms, which can help to attract new viewers and maintain a loyal audience.
On the negative side, some critics argue that CBS Media Ventures’ ownership of Entertainment Tonight can lead to conflicts of interest and biased reporting. For example, if CBS Corporation also owns a movie studio or television network, Entertainment Tonight may be more likely to give favorable coverage to that studio or network’s projects. This could lead to a perception of bias and undermine the show’s credibility.
To address these concerns, Entertainment Tonight has a strict policy of editorial independence. According to the show’s website, “ET maintains complete editorial control over its content, and CBS does not interfere with the show’s coverage decisions or story choices.”
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Entertainment Tonight is owned by CBS Media Ventures, a subsidiary of CBS Corporation. While ownership by a large media company like CBS provides many benefits, such as funding and resources, it raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and bias.
However, Entertainment Tonight maintains editorial independence and strives to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on the entertainment industry. As the show continues to evolve and adapt to changes in the industry, its ownership will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping its future.