Who Owns Nickelodeon?

Nickelodeon stands as one of the most recognizable children’s entertainment brands in the world. Paramount Skydance Corporation owns Nickelodeon following the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media that closed in August 2025. The network operates as part of the company’s Paramount Media Networks division, which manages all cable operations.

Since its launch in 1979, Nickelodeon has transformed from a small cable channel into a global entertainment powerhouse. The network reaches audiences through multiple platforms including traditional television, streaming services, theme parks, and consumer products. SpongeBob SquarePants alone has generated over $13 billion in revenue for the brand, demonstrating the network’s ability to create and monetize intellectual property.

History of Nickelodeon Co-founders

Dr. Vivian Horner: The Original Visionary

Dr. Vivian Horner conceptualized Nickelodeon and created its first series, Pinwheel. Before launching the network, Horner worked as an educator and served as the director of research on the PBS series The Electric Company. Her background in child development and educational programming shaped Nickelodeon’s early direction.

Pinwheel premiered on December 1, 1977, as part of QUBE, an early cable television system launched in Columbus, Ohio by Warner Cable Corporation. The show aired on channel C-3, broadcasting from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The success of Pinwheel convinced Horner to expand the concept into a nationwide cable channel.

Sandy Kavanaugh: Naming the Network

Sandy Kavanaugh served as the producer of Pinwheel and became Nickelodeon’s first director of programming. When the team struggled to name the new network, Kavanaugh suggested “Nickelodeon,” inspired by the early five-cent movie theaters of the same name. She later explained that while she was not initially thrilled with the name, it had a whimsical quality that fit the channel’s playful spirit.

The network officially launched on April 1, 1979, reaching Warner Cable franchises across the United States. Dr. Horner remained with Nickelodeon until 1983, serving as vice president for education and children’s programming. She passed away in May 2022 at age 88 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Who is on the board of directors for Nickelodeon?

Nickelodeon does not maintain its own separate board of directors, as it operates as a division within Paramount Skydance Corporation. The parent company’s board provides strategic oversight for all divisions, including Nickelodeon and other media properties. Following the Skydance merger in August 2025, the corporate governance structure underwent significant changes.

Executive Leadership

David Ellison serves as Chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance Corporation. Ellison founded Skydance Media and led the company to produce successful franchises including Mission: Impossible and Top Gun: Maverick. His leadership represents a shift toward integrating traditional media with technology-driven innovation.

Jeff Shell holds the position of President at Paramount Skydance Corporation. Shell previously served as CEO of NBCUniversal, bringing extensive experience in media and entertainment operations. His appointment signals the company’s commitment to competing with streaming giants like Netflix and Disney.

Previous Leadership Structure

Before the merger, Paramount Global operated under a unique Office of the CEO structure from April 2024 to August 2025. This arrangement included George Cheeks as President and CEO of CBS, Chris McCarthy as President and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, and Brian Robbins as President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.

Brian Robbins stepped down from his positions following the merger’s completion. During his tenure from October 2018 to August 2025, Robbins revitalized Nickelodeon’s franchise strategy and expanded partnerships including the network’s collaboration with the NFL. He previously founded AwesomenessTV and served as President of Paramount Players before joining Nickelodeon.

Board Composition Before Merger

The pre-merger Paramount Global board included Shari Redstone as Chair, along with directors Barbara Byrne, Linda Griego, Judith McHale, Charles Phillips Jr., and Susan Schuman. In June 2025, the company nominated three additional directors including Mary Boies, Charles Ryan, and Roanne Sragow Licht as the merger awaited regulatory approval.

Four directors stepped down in 2024 during merger discussions, including Dawn Ostroff, Nicole Seligman, Frederick Terrell, and Rob Klieger. The board restructuring reflected the company’s transition toward new ownership and strategic direction under Skydance Media.

Who owns Nickelodeon?

Paramount Skydance Corporation holds complete ownership of Nickelodeon following the merger that closed on August 7, 2025. The three-way transaction involved Skydance Media, National Amusements, and Paramount Global, creating a new entertainment entity valued at approximately $8.4 billion.

National Amusements, the private holding company controlled by the Redstone family, previously held majority voting control over Paramount Global through approximately 77 percent of Class A voting shares. Shari Redstone, as Chair of National Amusements, exercised ultimate authority over corporate decisions affecting Nickelodeon until the merger’s completion.

The Paramount Global Legacy

Paramount Global existed from December 2019 to August 2025, formed through the merger of CBS Corporation and the second incarnation of Viacom. The company rebranded from ViacomCBS to Paramount Global in February 2022 to unify its identity around the streaming service Paramount+ and its flagship entertainment brands.

Throughout its existence, Paramount Global controlled numerous household names including CBS television networks, Paramount Pictures studios, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and Showtime. Nickelodeon remained one of the company’s most valuable assets, serving as the cornerstone of its family entertainment strategy.

Ownership Evolution Through Mergers

Viacom acquired full control of Nickelodeon in 1986 after splitting from the Warner-Amex partnership. The network’s ownership shifted multiple times through corporate restructuring. Between 1999 and 2006, Viacom separated into CBS Corporation and a new Viacom entity, with Nickelodeon remaining under Viacom’s control.

The 2019 merger reunited CBS Corporation and Viacom, creating ViacomCBS and bringing Nickelodeon, CBS, and Paramount Pictures under one roof again. No external company has ever purchased Nickelodeon outright. Disney never bought it, and Warner Bros never acquired it either.

Largest shareholders of Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon itself does not have individual shareholders, as it operates as a division within Paramount Skydance Corporation. However, understanding the ownership structure of the parent company reveals who holds financial stakes in Nickelodeon’s operations. The shareholder landscape changed significantly following the Skydance merger in August 2025.

National Amusements and the Redstone Family

Before the merger, National Amusements held approximately 77 percent of Class A voting shares in Paramount Global, granting the Redstone family decisive control over all corporate decisions. Shari Redstone served as Chair of Paramount Global and President of National Amusements, exercising direct influence over Nickelodeon’s strategic direction.

Nairi Inc., another entity associated with the Redstone family, held approximately 5.94 percent of Paramount Global’s shares. This additional stake further consolidated the family’s influence over the company. Following the merger, the Redstone family’s role transitioned as Skydance acquired National Amusements as part of the three-way transaction.

Major Institutional Investors

Vanguard Group represented the largest institutional investor in Paramount Global, holding around 10.07 percent of total shares, primarily Class B non-voting stock. As one of the world’s largest asset management firms, Vanguard’s stake reflected a passive investment approach focused on long-term value rather than operational control.

State Street Corporation owned approximately 6.49 percent of Paramount Global shares. Similar to Vanguard, State Street invested passively and managed assets for institutional clients. While these firms lacked direct control over business operations, their voting power could influence shareholder proposals and board elections.

BlackRock Holdings

BlackRock held approximately 5.86 percent of Paramount Global as one of the world’s largest asset managers. The firm’s investment signified confidence in Paramount’s long-term prospects and streaming strategy. BlackRock’s presence ensured that Paramount Global remained accountable to broader market expectations through financial performance metrics.

Exor and European Investment

Lingotto, backed by Exor (the holding company of Italy’s Agnelli family), owned 6.67 percent of Paramount Global as of 2025. This firm increased its stake over time, signaling growing interest in Paramount’s turnaround efforts and streaming expansion. The European investment demonstrated international confidence in the company’s media assets, including Nickelodeon.

Notable Historical Shareholder

Berkshire Hathaway previously held a significant stake in Paramount Global, with approximately 14.39 percent ownership at one point. The investment firm, led by Warren Buffett, later reduced its position before the Skydance merger. Berkshire Hathaway’s involvement highlighted the company’s potential value despite challenges in the streaming market.

The shareholder structure emphasized that while National Amusements controlled voting power, institutional investors held substantial financial stakes. These shareholders influenced corporate strategy through market pressure and investor communications rather than direct operational decisions affecting Nickelodeon’s programming or business operations.

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