Oppenheimer issued a research note yesterday based on CableFAX’s 4/7 report that EchoStar’s [DISH] Charlie Ergen is prepared to drop several Turner nets, including CNN and Cartoon. Oppenheimer’s take: "We interpret the battles Mr Ergen is waging with programmers as his latest attempt to disrupt current trends which we think position EchoStar weaker strategically than DirecTV." The firm estimates that a shut-off would hurt DISH’s 2Q results. The positive case for such a move is that it could help persuade DC lawmakers to allow DBS to offer distant network digital signals if they’re not available via over-the-air, the note says. But Oppenheimer adds that it doesn’t think DISH’s programming battles are viewed favorably by DC officials working on regulation, such as the reauthorization of SHVIA.

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Thursday–September 21

Rupert Murdoch to Step Down, Shift Role in November

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp. The move will go into effect in mid-November at the annual general meeting of shareholders for each company, where Murdoch will be

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