Sumner Redstone controls CBS, Nickelodeon and MTV but he can barely speak

Sumner Redstone is 92 years old, and he controls two of the biggest media companies in the world — CBS and Viacom, which owns MTV and Nickelodeon. The two combined are worth over $40 billion.

But given Redstone’s poor health and advanced age, investors and media observers have wondered if he can effectively manage such large businesses, or if he’s managing anything at all. He used to be a regular presence on quarterly earnings calls, but he has since dropped off, remaining effectively hidden in his Beverly Hills mansion.

Now, a lawsuit brought by one of Redstone’s former girlfriends, Manuela Herzer, resulted in videotaped testimony from the billionaire nonagenarian, and the transcript of the interview is revealing. He requires an interpreter. He appears to not understand some basic questions (though it’s unclear if it’s because he’s unable — or unwilling — to respond). He needs a letter board to point to characters when speaking.

Still, Redstone may have successfully convinced a judge that he doesn’t want his former girlfriend’s help regarding his medical care. Herzer is suing for being removed as his health care agent, claiming she was pushed out by Redstone’s family.

When Redstone was asked to identify Herzer, he replied: "Manuela is a fucking bitch."

Redstone is one of the last great media barons of the cable age, having grown a number of significant TV networks from a relatively modest chain of movie theaters. He once was one of the most outspoken and colorful executives in an industry dominated by blunt billionaires.

Media reporters will miss him when he’s gone.

See the full transcript here.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

Will you support Vox’s explanatory journalism?

Most news outlets make their money through advertising or subscriptions. But when it comes to what we’re trying to do at Vox, there are a couple of big issues with relying on ads and subscriptions to keep the lights on:

First, advertising dollars go up and down with the economy. We often only know a few months out what our advertising revenue will be, which makes it hard to plan ahead.

Second, we’re not in the subscriptions business. Vox is here to help everyone understand the complex issues shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. And we can’t do that if we have a paywall.

So even though advertising is still our biggest source of revenue, we also seek grants and reader support. (And no matter how our work is funded, we have strict guidelines on editorial independence.)

If you also believe that everyone deserves access to trusted high-quality information, will you make a gift to Vox today? Any amount helps.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via