Watch the 2026 Golden Globes Nominations Livestream — New Podcast Category & Live Coverage

CBS, originally founded in 1927 as the Columbia Broadcasting System, is a major American media company known primarily for its commercial broadcasting, television production, and publishing activities. It began as a radio network established by talent agent Arthur Judson but was soon acquired by William S. Paley, who transformed it into a dominant force in radio by leveraging advertising revenue through large audiences[1][5]. CBS expanded into television early, launching experimental broadcasts in 1931 and pioneering the first color TV broadcast in 1940 from its Chrysler Building transmitter in New York City[1][2]. The network became a leader in television entertainment and news through the mid-20th century, with iconic programs and personalities such as Ed Sullivan, Lucille Ball, and Walter Cronkite contributing to its popularity[3]. CBS also innovated in network news with the Columbia News Service, led by Edward R. Murrow, which established its reputation for serious journalism in the 1930s and 1940s[2]. Throughout its history, CBS diversified into related sectors like recording (Columbia Records) and publishing but eventually refocused on broadcasting and entertainment. It underwent several corporate transformations, including a merger with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1995, adoption of the CBS Corporation name, and acquisition by Viacom in 2000. After splitting from Viacom in 2005 and operating independently, CBS re-merged with Viacom in 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which was renamed Paramount Global in 2022. In 2025, CBS became the flagship network of the newly formed Paramount Skydance Corporation following an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media[3][4]. Today, CBS remains a key player in American media, known for its broad programming reach, influential news division, and historical significance in radio and television innovation. Its long-standing presence and adaptability in business and technology make it a cornerstone of the broadcasting industry. CBS’s leadership under President and CEO George Che

YouTube is a leading American online video-sharing platform founded on February 14, 2005, by Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim, and Steve Chen, former PayPal employees. Headquartered in San Bruno, California, it is owned by Alphabet (Google) since its acquisition in November 2006 for $1.65 billion. Today, YouTube ranks as the second-most-visited website globally, behind Google, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users as of January 2024[1]. The platform allows users to upload, share, and view videos across a vast range of categories including entertainment, education, news, and more. It has evolved from hosting simple user-generated videos to becoming a cultural powerhouse where creators produce professional-grade content, including talk shows, feature films, and music videos[2]. In the U.S., TV has surpassed mobile devices as the primary screen for YouTube viewing, reflecting its integration into mainstream entertainment[2]. YouTube's business model initially relied on advertising revenue but has expanded to include paid content, YouTube Premium subscriptions that offer ad-free viewing, and exclusive content. In 2023, YouTube generated $31.7 billion in advertising revenue, with combined ad and subscription revenue exceeding $50 billion from late 2023 to 2024[1]. The platform has paid creators over $100 billion worldwide in the past four years, underscoring its role as a major economic engine for content creators and media companies[3]. Technological innovation remains central to YouTube’s growth. Recent advances include AI-powered tools for creators, such as automatic language dubbing introduced in December 2024, and integration of Google DeepMind’s AI features to simplify video editing and enhance Shorts content creation[1][3]. YouTube also launched Playables—free-to-play games accessible directly on the platform—in mid-2024, diversifying user engagement[1]. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2025, YouTube