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The Morning Fix: Hide those satellites! Political debate at FCC.

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After the coffee. Before deciding where to watch the NFL draft.

The Skinny: Thursday’s headlines include a fight between broadcasters and the FCC over disclosing political advertising information on the Web, a push by some cities to hide satellite dishes, a look at what TV shows may be on the way out, and analysis of whether Walt Disney needs to replace Rich Ross as chairman of its movie studio.

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Daily Dose: News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch’s claims during testimony Wednesday in Britain that he doesn’t talk much business when he’s out and about with high-powered politicians may sound dubious to many, but to some company insiders it rings true. Inside News Corp., Murdoch often frustrates his lobbyists by spending too much time gossiping instead of pursuing the company’s business agenda in meetings with top lawmakers, even after being given specific talking points. That’s not to say the Murdoch message doesn’t get through anyway. Once, after a meeting with a powerful congressman had turned into small talk, a lobbyist expressed annoyance at the blown opportunity. ‘That’s what I have you for,’ Murdoch responded.

Not my fault. During his second day on the stand as part of an inquiry into media ethics, Rupert Murdoch said with regard to the phone hacking scandal at his British newspapers that he was the victim of a cover-up. According to the Associated Press, Murdoch said he and his son James, who oversaw the tabloids, were kept out of the loop about the extent of the hacking. All I’ll say is remember it’s usually the cover-up that ends up taking you down more than the crime itself.

Political debate. Broadcasters are fighting with the Federal Communications Commission over a proposal from the regulatory agency to put financial details about political advertising online. While information such as what a candidate spent buying commercials is already available to anyone who visits a TV station, broadcasters are reluctant to put that same material on the Internet. A look at why they are resisting the FCC’s effort from the Los Angeles Times.

Irreplaceable or no replacement necessary? Normally, when a top executive at a studio or network is pushed out, the successor is waiting in the wings. Yet Walt Disney Co. does not yet seem to have a plan on how it will replace Rich Ross at the top of its movie studio, which has some wondering if the job in fact actually needs to be filled. Analysis from the New York Times.

Popping the bubble. Not only are the networks busy assessing their pilots to decide what new shows they’ll order for the fall, it’s also time to decide what current programs they will bring back. TV Guide looks at the shows that are on the fence.

Those unsightly satellites. As satellite TV grows in popularity, some cities are griping that the dishes make neighborhoods look ugly, notes the Wall Street Journal. There are even efforts to require dishes to be placed somewhere other than the front of houses or apartment buildings. The satellite industry is fighting back, arguing this would discriminate against their business. Maybe the satellite industry can have a contest to come up with a prettier dish. Personally, I find dishes look kind of cool. It makes me think I live in England, where there are dishes all over the place.

Inside the Los Angeles Times: Believe it or not, there is actually a debate about whether people should be allowed to text during movies. Hey, why stop there? Why not be able to watch videos on your iPad while looking at the movie?

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-- Joe Flint

Follow me on Twitter. It will be enlightening. Twitter.com/JBFlint

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