More cable industry news from around the Web.
> Comcast has extended its first-six-months-free promotion until Sept. 30 for Internet Essentials, which provides discounted $9.95 broadband services to economically challenged families. Press release
> John Wolfe, a veteran Cox Communications executive based in New England, has been named senior VP and region manager of the MSO's Southwest operations, replacing Steve Rizley. Story
> Mediacom's business-service division is launching an initiative to exploit an FCC program that will spend $5 billion over the next five years to expand wireless Internet connectivity at rural schools and libraries across the U.S. Story
> Alaskan MSO GCI has joined an American Television Alliance-backed coalition of cable and satellite operators seeking retransmission-consent reforms. Story
> Armstrong Cable, which serves around 100,000 subscribers across Ohio and Pennsylvania, has put the Fight Network on its program guide. Story
> Larry Ellison, founder of Silicon Valley powerhouse Oracle, is stepping down from his CEO post. Story
> CBS Corp. and Lionsgate are rebranding their joint venture TVGN (formerly TV Guide Network) as POP. Story
> A St. Paul, Minn., judge will weigh arguments in a negotiation impasse between Comcast and the North Suburban Cable Commission over public-access-channel funding. Story
And finally… Avi Lerner, producer of box-office dud The Expendables 3, said he wants to identify and prosecute those who downloaded illegal copies of the film. Piracy of the action sequel is estimated to have cost its producers as much as $250 million in lost revenue. Story