Shari Redstone shuts down rumor about conservative news channel

By: Alexandra S.

Shari Redstone has no plans to launch a conservative news channel to compete with Fox News, reps for the billionaire media heiress said.

According to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday, Redstone, who serves as vice chairwoman of CBS and Viacom, has been quietly exploring a plan to launch a conservative news network on Viacom.

The report said Redstone has been holding talks with former and current Fox News personalities, including Megyn Kelly, as well as with President Trump.

“Viacom has no intention of launching a TV news channel, conservative or otherwise,” a Viacom rep said.

Redstone’s spokeswoman also denied that a news network was in the works, but confirmed that the mogul recently met with Trump in what has been characterized as an hour-long meeting with no agenda.

Redstone’s rep would not comment further on the meeting but said that a potential network was not discussed.

A source said that Trump often invites executives from various industries to meet with him.

Currently, Viacom and CBS are seeking regulatory approval for a merger, which would recombine the two firms, which were split in 2006.