The lawsuit was pre-emptive, given that Ms. Redstone has considered replacing CBS’s board if it continued to resist a merger with Viacom. Viacom has pressed for its C.E.O., Bob Bakish, to hold that spot, and Ms. Redstone had largely sided with Viacom. CBS added that its board believes it is acting out of a fiduciary duty to all of its shareholders, and not just Ms. Redstone. CBS asserted that it filed suit because it was worried about Ms. Redstone blocking a meeting of the special committee taking place on Thursday. Now Washington is wondering: Is Mr. Trump trying to ease tensions with Beijing and perhaps score some unspecified concessions?

Source: New York Times May 14, 2018 11:17 UTC