VIACOM SETTLES BLOCKBUSTER DISPUTE, LOOKS FORWARD TO CBS

     Viacom and Blockbuster have settled the lawsuits brought by
Blockbuster shareholders in January of this year that challenged
the proposed merger.  The settlement "opens the door" for a
merger by resolving all pending litigation over the planned deal
(VARIETY, 9/20).  Shareholders of both companies vote on the
merger September 29.  Paine Webber's Craig Bibb predicts that the
merger will be approved at the shareholder meetings (Don
Finefrock, MIAMI HERALD, 9/20).
     VIACOM AND CBS:  In an attempt to become the "undisputed
multimedia powerhouse," Viacom has become "actively involved" in
merger discussions with CBS.  One exec close to the negotiations
told AD AGE while talks are "certainly happening," they could
take some time to conclude due to regulatory and financial
details involved:  "Viacom can't do anything until they complete
their Blockbuster and TCI deals" (Joe Mandese, ADVERTISING AGE,
9/19).