Verizon Explores Merger With Cable Operator Charter

Verizon is "exploring a combination with Charter Communications that would unite two giants in search of growth in a rapidly consolidating media and telecom landscape." With such a move, Verizon would be "doubling down on its historical strength in distribution, as an owner of pipes that carry web traffic." That would take Verizon down a "different path from rivals" Comcast and AT&T, who have "bet big on combining content and distribution" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1/27).