(Reuters) - Mario Gabelli, the largest owner of voting shares in Viacom Inc (O:VIAB) behind Sumner Redstone's family, told Reuters on Wednesday he expects a 10-day blackout of Viacom's programming on Dish Network Corp (O:DISH) as a midnight deadline looms on their distribution deal.
In an e-mail to Reuters, Gabelli said he hopes that after the Dish agreement is renewed, Viacom's management will turn its attention to striking a deal to sell a minority stake in Paramount, which the company announced it is looking to close later this year.