Steve, from a valuation standpoint, the recent news from AMC and Dish is interesting (understatement). It illustrates the power (leverage) of a hit show - and other solid programming - on a network of "only" 14 million subscribers. 

$700 million in cash for the distribution deal.

http://mashable.com/2012/10/21/amc-dish-the-walking-dead/
AMC Settles Dish Legal Battle in Time for ‘Walking Dead’

Dish Network’s 14 million TV subscribers, who were no longer receiving AMC shows because of a legal battle, can stop groaning as loudly as zombies now. AMC Networks and Cablevision settled their dispute with Dish on Sunday, just in time for a new episode of AMC’s zombie drama The Walking Dead.

[More]