Meet the Street: Deregulation's Effects on Broadcasters

Following a federal court decision earlier this week that could allow greater consolidation in the broadcast and cable industries, the stage could be set for a new wave of mergers and acquisitions. But as long as some of the largest companies' stocks remain at depressed levels, don't expect any big deals yet.

George Nichols Analyst, Morningstar

Recent Meet the Streets

Lehman Brothers' Matt Zolin

First Albany Asset Management's Hugh Johnson

Driehaus Capital Management's Richard Driehaus

New York Knicks' Kurt Thomas

Author Charles W. Mulford

Author John Cassidy

That's the take from George Nichols, a Morningstar analyst who specializes in media stocks, on the federal appeals court ruling announced Tuesday. The decision potentially would allow a single media company to reach as many as 50% of television households in the U.S., vs. the current 35% limit. ...