US media giant Viacom has completed its plan to split into two publicly traded entities.

Shares in Viacom Inc. and CBS Corporation will begin trading separately on the New York Stock Exchange on January 3.

"New" Viacom now comprises MTV Networks, BET, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment and Famous Music. CBS Corporation houses the CBS broadcast network, UPN, CBS Radio, Viacom Outdoor, the Viacom TV Stations Group, Paramount TV, King World, Simon and Schuster, Showtime and Paramount Parks.