CHTR Charter Communications Inc New

Cable-television operators could see a decline in video subscribers during the third quarter due to ongoing "high unemployment and low housing sales activity," according to a Monday note from Miller Tabak & Co. analyst David Joyce. Joyce said consumers also are taking advantage of various online video alternatives, such as the services offered by Netflix Inc. (NFLX) and Hulu. The analyst said cable's operating income before interest, depreciation and amortization growth is "generally slowing" due to defections by video customers. In recent years, broadband service has become the most important offering for cable companies, partly because of the need for a fast connection for online video viewing. Top cable operators include Comcast Corp. (CMCSA, CMCSK), Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC), Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC) and Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR). Cable stocks were higher in Monday trading, in step with a broad market rally.

-David B. Wilkerson; 415-439-6400; AskNewswires@dowjones.com