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Financial Crisis To Hit Univision, Charter Next

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 operator controlled by Paul Allen, is the most indebted major cable firm, with a net debt of about $21 billion. Just before Christmas, it signed up Lazard to talk with bondholders to boost its financial flexibility.

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