Growing Endangered List: Indie Nets

GROWING ENDANGERED LIST: INDIE NETS
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Moss]
[Commentary] Independent networks are moving closer to extinction, part of the nation’s continuing media ownership consolidation craze. It’s far from a done deal yet, but Oxygen may be the latest indie to be gobbled up by a monster media conglomerate, with Gerry Laybourne reportedly in talks with NBC Universal about selling her sassy female-targeted brainchild. More than a year ago, Court TV was swallowed by Time Warner, put under the umbrella of its Turner Broadcasting System unit. There are still a few indies around. Hallmark Channel, headed by Schleiff, is one of them. But even it’s been on the block. Independent networks have to try harder and officials at indie nets are often more open and vocal about what’s really going on in the industry. It’s in their self interest, because they’re underdogs. And they don't have to worry about offending a suit sitting in a corner executive office in Manhattan or LA.
http://www.multichannel.com/blog/370000437.html#750013075