CBS chair criticises Moonves over MMA

CBS chairman Sumner Redstone has questioned the decision of Les Moonves, the network's chief executive, to air a mixed martial arts event.

Moonves gave the go ahead for an MMA Elite XC competition to be broadcast in primetime this month.

The sport, commonly known as cage fighting, is particularly violent and has been criticised by medical groups. It has been outlawed in some states in the past, and fighters are now banned from extreme practices such as biting and eye gouging.

Redstone, who is chairman of CBS and Viacom - formerly CBS's parent, now separated as a sister company - signalled that he disagreed with the MMA decision in a conference speech in Los Angeles.

"You have to know the difference between your bottom line and your social responsibility," he said. "It’s probably good for the bottom line but I don’t think it’s socially responsible... While I control both companies, I don’t intrude. But maybe Les made a mistake."

Redstone added that Moonves "doesn’t do anything wrong economically... I’m sure it will be good for the bottom line, but I don’t like the sport".

MMA has proved popular on cable channels in the US, while ITV will air its first tournament on ITV4 this month.