Temporary Layoffs - The World of TV

CBS and Viacom have had an interesting relationship over the years. In 1970, CBS split itself in two, creating two companies- CBS, which would retain the network itself and Viacom, which would own the network's programming. (This was partly done to skirt then new FCC rules.)

Over the years, Viacom grew to become a Hollywood powerhouse, acquiring Paramount Pictures. By 2000, it was big enough to buy back its previous parent company- CBS.

The reunion would be shortlived; listening to Wall Street, the company split itself up again in 2005, becoming separate companies again- CBS and Viacom. If this wasn't crazy enough, the two may combine yet again.