<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This financial data schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from the financial statements of VIACOM INC. for the six months ended June 30,
1998 and earnings per share presented in accordance with SFAS 128 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                             336
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,050
<ALLOWANCES>                                       108
<INVENTORY>                                      2,535
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 5,621
<PP&E>                                           4,497
<DEPRECIATION>                                   1,333
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  27,503
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            3,958
<BONDS>                                          8,171
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                      1,200
<COMMON>                                             4
<OTHER-SE>                                      11,965
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    27,503
<SALES>                                          6,411
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 6,411
<CGS>                                            4,661
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    6,479
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 317
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  (397)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (135)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              (280)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       1
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     (279)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.87)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.87)