Late Breaking News

Cable World, Oct 14, 2002

Showtime Trims Sales Staff

Showtime Networks last week laid off staffers, including some in its sales and affiliate marketing department. "We have recently reevaluated our current organizational structure. As a result, we have reorganized our staff in a way that allows us to continue to serve our various constituencies," the company said in a statement.

Modem Ruling Challenged

A coalition of local government groups filed a brief before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the FCC's ruling that cable modem service falls outside the scope of the Communications Act. The group, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, says that $300 million in local cable franchise fees will be lost if the FCC decision is not overturned.

Cox Network Flies With Hornets

Cox Communications joins the ranks of regional sports programmers with its exclusive coverage of 65 regular-season New Orleans Hornets games on Cox Sports Television. The new net, which will carry ESPN college games and a customized feed from ESPN News, launches Oct. 28.

Addenda

Facing competition from two MLB playoff games, ESPN's split national broadcast of the NHL's opening night managed a 6% rating increase to 0.82 and 710,222 households and up 54% in men 18 to 34 to 0.77 from 0.50 last season.... The IRS ruled Oct. 11 that AT&T Corp. can spin off its Broadband unit to shareholders in a tax-free deal.... Hispanics now comprise one in seven persons age 18 to 49 - a 24% increase since 2001 - according to an analysis of Nielsen Media Research's revised 2002/03 audience estimates data by Univision.... AOL 8.0 hits the streets this week. "We are focusing on using the new content as a catalyst to engender and invigorate our core business," says Lisa Hook, president of AOL Broadband.

SAFETY FIRST

Cox Communications' North Virginia system is supporting the Fairfax County police department's new safe driving initiative. Cox is running cross-channel spots and distributing posters promoting the campaign, at no cost to the department.