Before this week's dispute between Time Warner Cable and Viacom, which was settled at the last minute, St. Louis cable television viewers had to suffer through a similar feud between Charter Communications and Belo's KMOV. The threat was simple: Unless Charter agreed to pay more, local cable subscribers were about to say goodbye to CBS. An agreement was struck at the 11th hour. Expect more of this public bickering. Traditionally, agreements between cable companies and station owners have been secured by non-cash incentives. But now, stations see them as a potential revenue stream to offset lost advertising dollars. "Broadcasters …

Which media companies might run into trouble -- and even file for bankruptcy -- in 2009? Top on the list is Univision and Charter Communications, say analysts. Spanish-language Univision has felt a 25% decline in auto advertising in the third quarter, which reduced its cash flow. That, plus the credit crunch and declining industry valuations, have hurt its efforts to raise $500 million for a debt payment due in March. Credit analysts say that a legal battle with Televisa will come to a head in 2009 and could further weaken Univision. Charter Communications, the St. Louis-based cable …

AsianWeek, an English-language Asian-American newspaper, is stopping publication due to declining readership and advertising revenue and a softening economy. The paper's last regular issue is Jan. 2, but special editions may be considered, says editor and publisher Ted Fang. The 30-year-old San Francisco-based paper had a circulation of 60,000. Besides reporting the news, it hosted campaigns to fight hepatitis B, which disproportionately affects Asians, and held debates around immigration reform and voter registration. By running in English, AsianWeek helped bridge differences in a community divided by ethnicity and language. "The closure is a big blow," says David …

January was once a launching pad for influential new network TV shows. But this year, the midterm slate is lackluster at best, say media watchers. From a retread of a 10-year-old show, ABC's "Cupid," to more reality shows and crime serials, the schedule abounds with sameness. The networks are trying to survive, but they're making the wrong decisions for a creative business, says Jeff McCall, professor of communication at DePauw University. "Network executives are like timid poker players. They want to make big money, but they're afraid to put any big money on the table." Yet compelling forces …