VIACOM has announced that the post-split CBS Corporation would acquire CSTV Networks, a cable channel and grouping of some 250 websites that focus on college sports, reports the New York Times. The purchase will be made with $325 million in stock to be issued next year by CBS, which will be created after its split from Viacom.

CSTV's internet operation would complement CBS Sportsline.com, now owned by Viacom. In September, Sportsline.com and CSTV's websites had 11.1 million unique visits, according to Nielsen/NetRatings; ComScore Media Metrix had a higher estimate: 14.4 million.

CSTV started in April 2003 largely as the cable channel College Sports TV and expanded its web presence by acquiring an operator of about 120 college sports websites; it has since gotten the rights to operate about 130 more.

Brian T. Bedol, the chief executive of CSTV, described college sports as an "underserved category" and his network's offerings as a "year-round Olympics."