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Changing Channels: Television Programming Issues In Negotiating Acquisition Deals

M & A transactions in the television business can take many forms ' from a large-scale merger such as that recently proposed between Comcast and Disney to the acquisition of a cable TV channel or small local UHF broadcast station. In some cases, even the acquisition of a large and significant sports rights package can be viewed as rising to the level and complexity of an M&A transaction. What is seen on the screen is a function of the rights obtained by broadcasters. Not surprisingly, given the complexities of such transactions, unusual rights situations arise. Following are some that I have encountered in many years of doing deals in the TV business.

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