And the cable subsidiary became the second-largest cable company the next year.

Cable bosses once sought to keep the Baby Bells out of their industry fearing the telephone firms would use local-exchange profits to cross-subsidise cable subsidiaries unfairly.

The company's cable subsidiary offered time on several of its systems for advertising for "Listen Up."

The Scripps company has the deepest pockets in such a matchup, and its stock is strong following the sale of its cable subsidiary this year.

Previously he was president of American Television and Communications, Time Warner's cable subsidiary, after having served as chief financial officer of Time Inc. from 1985 through 1987.

Nearly two years ago, Cox Enterprises spent $8.5 billion to take its cable subsidiary, Cox Communications, private.

Though Rogers is a Canadian company, it did own an interest in an American cable subsidiary, Mr. Eastland said.

Under the proposed sale, Telmex would acquire 49 percent of Televisa's cable subsidiary, Cablevision.

For Televisa, which dominates the Mexican television market and produces films and soap operas that are seen around the world, the cable subsidiary has been disappointing.

Meanwhile, a third group has made an offer for Auna's cable subsidiary, these executives say.