Cable industry news from across the Web:
> After carving a tentative agreement that ended a blackout of DirecTV in the Midwest and Southeast on Sept. 7, broadcast station operator Raycom Media has still not come to formal terms with the satellite pay-TV operator. Story
> TiVo has hired former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan to lobby and help save the FCC's CableCARD rules. Story
> U.S. Department of Justice officials have held numerous confidential meetings with Comcast's competitors, partners, interest groups and other stakeholders to discuss ways in which the conglomerate's proposed merger with Time Warner Cable might impact broadband. Story
> Gannett reported in its third quarter earnings that due to recent station acquisitions, its retrans revenue surged 61 percent to $91 million. Story
> Fox Sports' Prime Ticket regional sports network signed a 10-year extension with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks valued at around $13 million a year for the hockey team. Story
> Liberty Global Ventures and Arris Group have invested in virtual CPE startup Benu Networks. The company has also hired a new CEO, Dino Di Palma. Story
> SeaChange International has appointed veteran digital media executive Jay Samit as its new CEO. Press release
And finally … Municipal broadband initiative Next Century Cities has launched in 32 cities across the U.S. Story