That sentiment was supported by Mark Casey, an analyst at Capital Research who favors the accounting change.

Now some, including the largest shareholder, Capital Research and Management, are pressing to remove him from the board.

Capital Research and Management serves as the investment advisor to the 33 American Funds.

Capital Research voted roughly 66 million shares for the merger, and 3 million against it, according to a person who had seen the institutional vote tally.

A giant fund company, Capital Research and Management, which markets its products as the American Funds, led the way.

Mr. Rothenberg, 56, the president of Capital Research and Management, knows.

James F. Rothenberg, president, the Capital Research and Management Company.

The investment has become an intense embarrassment for Capital Research, which recently liquidated its holding at a loss.

Others, like Capital Research and Management, do not have formal plans, but make retirees directors emeritus and continue to pay them retainers.

Capital Research owns 4.4 percent of NTV, giving the two a bare majority in the vote today.