All but the most cynical don't at least give some benefit of the doubt to cable operators who claim that basic subscribers aren't leaving for over-the-top providers. 
DirecTV (Nasdaq: DTV) goes a step beyond that; it says those wandering subs are moving to satellite TV.
DirecTV expects to add 200,000 net U.S. subscribers in the fourth quarter on top of the 174,000 it added in the third and is "well positioned for continued success," said CEO Mike White at the company's investor event in New York.
At least part of that projected success will depend on keeping down costs and, to that end, DirecTV is considering axing less popular networks. Already it's dropped Comcast's G4 network which, so far, has "not been missed," said White, adding that he informed Comcast CEO Brian Roberts "that total payments to Comcast will grow at an unsustainable rate next year."
DirecTV already had a dispute with Comcast's Versus Network and there is a possibility that regional sports networks might be moved to a different tier or offered on an a la carte basis.
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