Unscripted: The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy By James B Stewart and Rachel Abrams

In 2016, the fate of Paramount Global hung precariously as its founder, Sumner M. Redstone, faced a public lawsuit, exposing his deteriorating health and questionable judgment. The multibillion-dollar entertainment empire, encompassing Paramount, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Simon & Schuster, was at stake. Sumner's daughter, Shari, took control amidst hostility from boards and management influenced by Sumner's disparaging remarks. Les Moonves, CBS's CEO, plotted against Shari but faced a scandal of sexual misconduct, attempting to bury the stories.

Unscripted, by Pulitzer Prize-winners James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams, unveils the inner workings of two public companies and a wealthy, dysfunctional family undergoing seismic changes. Paramount's once-victorious business model faced disruption from technological advances, with cable fees and ticket sales dwindling. The workplace transformed amid movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. The book lays bare the battle for power within Paramount, depicting the fallout from these challenges.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of corporate struggles, personal vendettas, and societal shifts, offering an unvarnished look at the tumultuous intersection of media, power, and family dynamics. Through the lens of Paramount's turmoil, Stewart and Abrams explore the high-stakes drama, questionable conduct, and consequences of a company in crisis, providing a riveting account of a changing industry and the individuals grappling for control. 📚❤️