> It could be an interesting and perhaps even uncomfortable situation when Jimmy Fallon and Brian Williams, two men noted for their senses of humor, co-host the 57th Annual Public Service Award Dinner which, deliciously, will honor their probable future boss, usually serious Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) Chairman-CEO Brian Roberts. Story.
> Working stiffs everywhere want to know what's so tough about being retired that the recently free-of-work keep returning. Dick Green, who called it quits to take time to relax after a seeming lifetime as president-CEO of CableLabs, will at least have to put in a modicum of effort as the latest member of the SCTE's board of directors. Joining Green on the board is also director-at-large and Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC-WI) CTO Mike LaJoie whose tenure was extended by one year. News release.
> There is no such thing as altruism. Wi-Fi Net News reports that Cablevision Systems (NYSE: CVC) and Time Warner Cable's (NYSE: TWC-WI) planned $10 million WiFi buildout in 32 New York City parks is "part of the requirements for renewing cable franchises in the city." Story.
> FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn is a fan of cable television-programming, that is. Speaking at the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Conference during New York's "diversity week," Clyburn hailed cable for "setting the standard of excellence on television." She also said that cable is in a good position to succeed as viewers migrate from TVs to other screens. Story.
> Consumers might be best served by cable programming and they might be migrating away from TV to other devices but their spending 17 percent less on consumer electronics this year than last according to research from IDC which called U.S. consumers "extremely price sensitive." News release.
> And finally, because this is the kind of butterfly wing-flapping news that could have international repercussions, Russian operator Comstar has applied for clearance to acquire 100 percent of regional cable operator CityHomeNet. Story.