Sinclair re-ups with ABC; will charge cable more; Hulu at crossroads

> Cable operators aren't the only ones who have to work with broadcasters like ABC. Broadcasters have to work with broadcasters and thus Sinclair Broadcast Group has cut a new affiliation deal with ABC that requires a license fee to carry ABC's programming. Sinclair, of course, says it will offset the cost with higher retransmission fees from local cable operators. Story.

> Speaking of the U.K. (see previous item), satellite provider BSkyB said it will be launching online TV service as a result of deals it cut with LCD TV maker Cello and hybrid DTT/IPTV set-top box maker 3View. Story.

> Hulu is caught in the crosshairs of what Advertising Age is calling an "ideological battle" over whether it should become a paid service or remain free as a test bed for new targeted ad formats. Story.

> When it comes to getting paid, Time Warner CEO Jeffrey Bewkes won't need to be applying for food stamps any time soon, but he still saw his annual compensation drop nine percent to only $19.4 million in 2009 in a figure that includes salary, bonus, incentives, perks and estimated value of stock options and awards. Story.

> Suddenlink has expanded its high definition lineup and will bring VoD service and faster Internet to the Alexandria, La. area. Story.