CBS/Viacom a 2019 Certitude, MoffettNathanson Says

CBS and Viacom undoubtedly will combine this year, probably after Viacom and DirecTV ink a new distribution agreement, MoffettNathanson wrote investors Thursday. It said key details such as who would run CBS/Viacom are likely still being worked out, but a deal would improve the structural weaknesses of both by giving scale and bringing cost savings. It said those savings could translate into more money for CBS original content spending and for NFL rights fees. CBS and Viacom didn't comment.