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From Broadcasting and Cable:
Mark Cuban's HDNet will be rebranded as AXS TV (pronounced "access") as part of a joint venture with AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and Creative Artists Agency, the reps for the joint venture told B&C Wednesday.
As part of the deal, holding company Ryan Seacrest Media will have a stake in AXS.
The rebranded network is scheduled to debut this summer -- the aim is June -- with an eventual goal of becoming a destination for live programming 24/7. DISH has signed on to expand its distribution by including a standard definition version of the network on its America's Top 120 programming package. HDNet is currently on the satellite provider's HD tier. Cuban says HDNet is now in about 27 million homes and that the Dish deal will bring AXS TV's distribution to more than 35 million. As part of the agreement with Dish, the satellite operator will make AXS-branded concerts available on VOD starting March 15.
AXS will "leverage the global reach and portfolio of content opportunities of its partners to create live entertainment and lifestyle programming," according to the companies' announcement. The network's content is described as providing exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to live concerts and music festivals, red carpets, pop culture events and in-depth interviews. AXS will capitalize on AEG's presence in live events and affiliation with more than 100 of the industry's venues around the world to "connect audiences with the complete live experience."
Cuban says the goal for AXS is to someday, though he wouldn't begin to guess when, provide round-the-clock live programming. "My goal has been taking HDNet live, 24/7," he told B&C in an interview Wednesday along with Timothy J. Leiweke, President & CEO, AEG; and Dave Shull, senior VP of programming for Dish at AEG's office at LA Live in downtown LA. He adds that going live 24/7 with AXS is "absolutely" the aim.
Signature HDNet programming including HDNet Fights, Inside MMA, Dan Rather Reports, Sunday concert series, and select non-scripted series will continue on AXS TV.
The parties would not disclose financial terms and when asked whether any cash changed hands Cuban said "cash is not an issue in this group." But the access to AEG's $4 billion in assets was a nice deal for HDNet.
As recently as this fall, Seacrest, AEG and CAA were reportedly in talks with Viacom about taking over VH1 Soul for their announced collaboration to create an entertainment, lifestyle and pop-culture network, according to a September Hollywood Reporter story
Cuban says he had been watching the reports about the planned network; he has known Leiweke for a long time and reached out to Leiweke. The deal came together within four months, Cuban says, adding that he will continue to run the rebranded network.
Production facilities at LA Live will serve as a hub for much of the programming and most of the production will be based in Los Angeles. Sales will be based in Los Angeles and Dallas and operations will stay in Denver, Cuban says.
As part of the agreement, Ryan Seacrest Media will provide access to multi-media platforms, and celebrity and brand relationships, as well as assist in the corporate brand development for AXS TV. Ryan Seacrest's production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, will also develop and produce programming for AXS TV.
CAA, which represents Seacrest, will help create valuable content relationships for the network and provide strategic advisory services in the areas of corporate development, marketing, technology, and brand integration and sponsorship, among others, according to the announcement.
But don't expect to see Seacrest onscreen or Kardashian reruns.
Leweike and Cuban emphasize that the deal is to build the network with Seacrest's mind going forward. Not his face. They do not intend to mine RSP's library, nor is Seacrest himself expected to be on-air. When asked if a red carpet event pops up that both E! and AXS would naturally cover, AXS will do so with its own staff -- and not conflict with Seacrest's other obligations. Leweike says the agreement from the beginning was to not take away from or conflict with any of Seacrest's commitments with E! and Fox.
Seacrest is currently in negotiations to reup with NBC Universal, which owns E!. The deal will likely include on-air responsibilities and a first look deal for Ryan Seacrest Productions.
Among the programs Cuban is planning is a daily live hour on AXS topics, a sort of SportsCenter for the AXS audience.
With the emphasis on live programming and considering the name of AEG's LA Live complex, the name "Live" might naturally have made sense for this network. But Leiweke says "a lot of people own the name ‘live,'" adding that AXS represents the spirit of the new network, which will tap AEG assets to give viewers special inside access and perks like ticketing opportunities, premium seating, private viewing areas and food & beverage specials.
He says AXS' host studio at LA Live also is a natural tie-in for the company's ticketing platform, axs Ticketing. The companies also plan to utilize the resources of AEG's O2 in London.
Marketing the relaunch is likely to take "more of a turtle than a rabbit" approach, says Cuban. But Leiweke promises a big presence at AEG facilities, particularly LA Live and O2.
The potential for partnerships with MVPDs on promotions and perks for viewers is a big part of the pitch Cuban says they plan to make to distributors.
As an example, Starting Aug. 1, Dish and AXS TV will launch AXS Headliner Club, an online audition site providing local bands and musicians the opportunity to audition to perform at an AEG-affiliated club or theater.
Expect Cuban and company to be pushing for expanded distribution, "as much as possible, as soon as possible," he says.
Shull says the MVPD partnerships and the planned content sync right up with the satellite company's recently-unveiled strategy of bolstering its presence as an entertainment provider under the leadership of Dish CEO Joe Clayton. In a statement, Clayton says: "The new Dish is all about ‘more music, more movies, and more magic.' So, we're pleased to provide a majority of our subscribers front row seats to this innovative channel."
Sports are likely to maintain a place on the network -- particularly MMA, which has been a big part of HDNet. But as far as pursuing sports programming, Leweike says, "that is not the intention" and that the main idea is to pursue an "underdeveloped" opportunity in live programming within the music and pop culture world.
"HDNet is the perfect partner to help us translate our vision into a reality, giving us an instant reach into 35 million homes when we rebrand the channel and launch AXS TV," Seacrest said in a statement. "Mark Cuban and Tim Leiweke bring a tremendous amount of entrepreneurial experience and spirit to this venture, and I'm confident our collective collaboration will make AXS a success."
"We have worked closely with AEG and Ryan Seacrest to conceptualize a new network that could benefit from our combined resources and create a new distribution opportunity for artists and content creators and their high-quality entertainment and lifestyle programming," said David O'Connor, Managing Partner, CAA, in a statement. "Mark Cuban and his HDNet make a terrific partner for this venture, and we look forward to joining forces to help build AXS into a premier cable destination for entertainment enthusiasts."
Mark Cuban's HDNet will be rebranded as AXS TV (pronounced "access") as part of a joint venture with AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and Creative Artists Agency, the reps for the joint venture told B&C Wednesday.
As part of the deal, holding company Ryan Seacrest Media will have a stake in AXS.
The rebranded network is scheduled to debut this summer -- the aim is June -- with an eventual goal of becoming a destination for live programming 24/7. DISH has signed on to expand its distribution by including a standard definition version of the network on its America's Top 120 programming package. HDNet is currently on the satellite provider's HD tier. Cuban says HDNet is now in about 27 million homes and that the Dish deal will bring AXS TV's distribution to more than 35 million. As part of the agreement with Dish, the satellite operator will make AXS-branded concerts available on VOD starting March 15.
AXS will "leverage the global reach and portfolio of content opportunities of its partners to create live entertainment and lifestyle programming," according to the companies' announcement. The network's content is described as providing exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to live concerts and music festivals, red carpets, pop culture events and in-depth interviews. AXS will capitalize on AEG's presence in live events and affiliation with more than 100 of the industry's venues around the world to "connect audiences with the complete live experience."
Cuban says the goal for AXS is to someday, though he wouldn't begin to guess when, provide round-the-clock live programming. "My goal has been taking HDNet live, 24/7," he told B&C in an interview Wednesday along with Timothy J. Leiweke, President & CEO, AEG; and Dave Shull, senior VP of programming for Dish at AEG's office at LA Live in downtown LA. He adds that going live 24/7 with AXS is "absolutely" the aim.
Signature HDNet programming including HDNet Fights, Inside MMA, Dan Rather Reports, Sunday concert series, and select non-scripted series will continue on AXS TV.
The parties would not disclose financial terms and when asked whether any cash changed hands Cuban said "cash is not an issue in this group." But the access to AEG's $4 billion in assets was a nice deal for HDNet.
As recently as this fall, Seacrest, AEG and CAA were reportedly in talks with Viacom about taking over VH1 Soul for their announced collaboration to create an entertainment, lifestyle and pop-culture network, according to a September Hollywood Reporter story
Cuban says he had been watching the reports about the planned network; he has known Leiweke for a long time and reached out to Leiweke. The deal came together within four months, Cuban says, adding that he will continue to run the rebranded network.
Production facilities at LA Live will serve as a hub for much of the programming and most of the production will be based in Los Angeles. Sales will be based in Los Angeles and Dallas and operations will stay in Denver, Cuban says.
As part of the agreement, Ryan Seacrest Media will provide access to multi-media platforms, and celebrity and brand relationships, as well as assist in the corporate brand development for AXS TV. Ryan Seacrest's production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, will also develop and produce programming for AXS TV.
CAA, which represents Seacrest, will help create valuable content relationships for the network and provide strategic advisory services in the areas of corporate development, marketing, technology, and brand integration and sponsorship, among others, according to the announcement.
But don't expect to see Seacrest onscreen or Kardashian reruns.
Leweike and Cuban emphasize that the deal is to build the network with Seacrest's mind going forward. Not his face. They do not intend to mine RSP's library, nor is Seacrest himself expected to be on-air. When asked if a red carpet event pops up that both E! and AXS would naturally cover, AXS will do so with its own staff -- and not conflict with Seacrest's other obligations. Leweike says the agreement from the beginning was to not take away from or conflict with any of Seacrest's commitments with E! and Fox.
Seacrest is currently in negotiations to reup with NBC Universal, which owns E!. The deal will likely include on-air responsibilities and a first look deal for Ryan Seacrest Productions.
Among the programs Cuban is planning is a daily live hour on AXS topics, a sort of SportsCenter for the AXS audience.
With the emphasis on live programming and considering the name of AEG's LA Live complex, the name "Live" might naturally have made sense for this network. But Leiweke says "a lot of people own the name ‘live,'" adding that AXS represents the spirit of the new network, which will tap AEG assets to give viewers special inside access and perks like ticketing opportunities, premium seating, private viewing areas and food & beverage specials.
He says AXS' host studio at LA Live also is a natural tie-in for the company's ticketing platform, axs Ticketing. The companies also plan to utilize the resources of AEG's O2 in London.
Marketing the relaunch is likely to take "more of a turtle than a rabbit" approach, says Cuban. But Leiweke promises a big presence at AEG facilities, particularly LA Live and O2.
The potential for partnerships with MVPDs on promotions and perks for viewers is a big part of the pitch Cuban says they plan to make to distributors.
As an example, Starting Aug. 1, Dish and AXS TV will launch AXS Headliner Club, an online audition site providing local bands and musicians the opportunity to audition to perform at an AEG-affiliated club or theater.
Expect Cuban and company to be pushing for expanded distribution, "as much as possible, as soon as possible," he says.
Shull says the MVPD partnerships and the planned content sync right up with the satellite company's recently-unveiled strategy of bolstering its presence as an entertainment provider under the leadership of Dish CEO Joe Clayton. In a statement, Clayton says: "The new Dish is all about ‘more music, more movies, and more magic.' So, we're pleased to provide a majority of our subscribers front row seats to this innovative channel."
Sports are likely to maintain a place on the network -- particularly MMA, which has been a big part of HDNet. But as far as pursuing sports programming, Leweike says, "that is not the intention" and that the main idea is to pursue an "underdeveloped" opportunity in live programming within the music and pop culture world.
"HDNet is the perfect partner to help us translate our vision into a reality, giving us an instant reach into 35 million homes when we rebrand the channel and launch AXS TV," Seacrest said in a statement. "Mark Cuban and Tim Leiweke bring a tremendous amount of entrepreneurial experience and spirit to this venture, and I'm confident our collective collaboration will make AXS a success."
"We have worked closely with AEG and Ryan Seacrest to conceptualize a new network that could benefit from our combined resources and create a new distribution opportunity for artists and content creators and their high-quality entertainment and lifestyle programming," said David O'Connor, Managing Partner, CAA, in a statement. "Mark Cuban and his HDNet make a terrific partner for this venture, and we look forward to joining forces to help build AXS into a premier cable destination for entertainment enthusiasts."
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20295 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
I was reading this article
thehill.com
That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.
And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.
Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.
There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.
In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.
Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.
Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.
So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households
So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.
That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.
But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.
Imagine what 2024 will be like.
Cable TV ‘cord-cutters’ became the majority in 2022
The steady decline of cable and broadcast television, and the rise of streaming services, reached a sort of inflection point over the past year. Last summer, for the first time, streaming ser…
thehill.com
That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.
And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.
Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.
There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.
In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.
Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.
Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.
So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households
So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.
That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.
But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.
Imagine what 2024 will be like.
898 Replies
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72243 views
And again, 15 months in a row, streaming wins-
Cable and Broadcast added together-36.4%
Streaming with a massive 49.6%, 13.2% higher than Broadcast/Streaming.
Cable and Broadcast added together-36.4%
Streaming with a massive 49.6%, 13.2% higher than Broadcast/Streaming.
Pub Member / Supporter
Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs
My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.
Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.
After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.
I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.
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14 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
Thanks to Fitch Ratings ( who gives the ratings on Credit and debt, as approved by the SEC, so they have accurate numbers) we have the totals.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
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1470 views
A
have you tried to call in and threaten to cancel and see how that works out??? have you tried going back onto directv.com and making a new acct for discounts posing as a new sub.. it worked for me when ATT destroyed it
I got a big discount for returning.have you tried to call in and threaten to cancel and see how that works out??? have you tried going back onto directv.com and making a new acct for discounts posing as a new sub.. it worked for me when ATT destroyed it
A
, the deal breaker was id'e be stuck with an HR-54 and not an HS-17. and there's no more wired gemini's for new subs or that's what i was told. and billing and tech support is still in the ATT eco system
they offered me the new customer deals and a 300.00 prepaid visa to leave DISH along there were going to waive the 49.00 activation fee
, the deal breaker was id'e be stuck with an HR-54 and not an HS-17. and there's no more wired gemini's for new subs or that's what i was told. and billing and tech support is still in the ATT eco system
I just got a wired Gemini a few weeks ago. Also my bill comes from DIRECTV…not AT&T though I do understand not all peoples bill have been switched back to DIRECTV yet.they offered me the new customer deals and a 300.00 prepaid visa to leave DISH along there were going to waive the 49.00 activation fee
Personally, IF I ever went back with Sat, I would definitely take the HR54 ... but each set up is different from house to house, what works for you ... in reality, I would probably go streaming instead, as my needs have changed, I no longer need a portable recvr to use while camping.they offered me the new customer deals and a 300.00 prepaid visa to leave DISH along there were going to waive the 49.00 activation fee
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
This should hit a lot of folks with a dose of reality. I can only imagine how much more common this will get as AI progresses.
I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.
www.cnbc.com
I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.
Hackers steal $6.3 billion from Binance in biggest-ever cryptocurrency theft
The company later added it began recovering assets impacted by the breach after pledging to cover losses using its Secure Asset Fund for Users.
www.cnbc.com
3 Replies
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33 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68670 Replies
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2680834 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Be9G9c_t6nc
Direct YouTube Link - Fun Novelty Apps for the iPhone Duo - Toasty!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Be9G9c_t6nc
Direct YouTube Link - Fun Novelty Apps for the iPhone Duo - Toasty!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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4 views
Hello there
We are looking for Starlink installer that will be able to install a system in Burk's falls.
Please ping me if you are interested
Thanks,
Nimrod
We are looking for Starlink installer that will be able to install a system in Burk's falls.
Please ping me if you are interested
Thanks,
Nimrod
3 Replies
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1831 views
It is really really simple install (no special tools or instruments required and they guide you through using their starlink app and a simple set of instructions.Hello there
We are looking for Starlink installer that will be able to install a system in Burk's falls.
Please ping me if you are interested
Thanks,
Nimrod
You can order direct from starlink online or from an authorized retailer.
Not at all like the special equipment needed for a satellite install.
Thank you Nelson,
Yes, I fully agree. I can install it with my teeth, and both hands tied behind my back...but this installation is for a commercial user that will not do it themselves, and myself, Im overseas...
But it looks like that we managed to find someone who can drive there for the work.
Thank you
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
It states the average amount they are under water is OVER $7,000. 
Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.
www.zerohedge.com
Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.
Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds<!-- --> | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com
3 Replies
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89 views
Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.
I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
2136 Replies
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215324 views
Tony as the director.
Would you rather have LaRoche ???Tony as the director.
No. Bring in someone new.
Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...No. Bring in someone new.
Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)
Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.
Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.
It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.
