Why Him? Let’s be honest. Cable was getting cocky, pointing out that DBS operators simply can’t compete when it comes to the triple play. That’s somewhat true, of course. But what’s also true is that savvy CEOs like Chase Carey aren’t stupid. He has watched (twirling that mustache, no doubt) as cable operators and telcos try to bleed each other dry marketing the “bundle”—all while he can focus almost obsessively on video, video, video. And lately more HD. And while we can all quibble about exactly how many HD channels DirecTV is offering, consumers are getting the hard sell that satellite is the path to their HD salvation. Who’s telling them? Christopher Lloyd, Sigourney Weaver, Peyton Manning, Beyoncé… you know… the HD experts. Then again, DirecTV’s tactics seem to be convincing many consumers to switch. The satcaster added 240K subs in 3Q alone and now boasts 16.6mln total—with Carey noting the large number of affluent subs flocking to his open arms (a potential advantage if the economy turns sour). All of this has aided the basic sub losses that incumbent cable operators have experienced lately. And it’s a key factor in forcing MSOs to step up to the HD plate by upgrading to switched digital video, and pressuring programmers to launch more HD channels and content. C’est la vie. C’est competition.MG
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Help CableFAX: The Magazine decide by nominating the executives you think should be included in our annual list of the Most Powerful Women in Cable. We will rank the top 50 most powerful women, and run a list of the second 50, in the November issue of CableFAX: The Magazine. Nominations are open to all cable operators, programmers, vendors and trade associations. Click here for nomination form. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 19.
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CABLEFAX: THE MAGAZINE
THE 100 POWER LIST It's time to get in your nominations for the CableFAX 100, version 2008. Nominate here. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 19.
Cable's stars turned out for the first annual CableFAX 100 luncheon at New York's Grand Hyatt last December. Catch Mad Men's Jon Hamm, Cash Cab's Ben Bailey as well as Sundance Channel's Larry Aidem and Cable Pioneer Bill Bresnan and others in our video from the wintertime event.
Going Green: How to Do It, Communicate It and Sell It Thurs, Sept. 25
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MER and BER Fundamentals Free 2-part Series Thurs, Sept. 4 &
Thurs, Sept. 11
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Who are cable's most powerful women executives?
Help CableFAX: The Magazine decide by nominating the executives you think should be included in our annual list of the Most Powerful Women in Cable. We will rank the top 50 most powerful women, and run a list of the second 50, in the November issue of CableFAX: The Magazine. Nominations are open to all cable operators, programmers, vendors and trade associations. Click here for nomination form. Extended deadline for nominations: Sept. 19.
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