Three of the top cable networks will consolidate into a single company under a deal between three major media conglomerates. The combination of the A & E; Television Networks and Lifetime Entertainment Services will have a reach of 250 million homes around the world. The networks broadcast programming from the popular Lifetime Television, the History Channel, and the Crime & Investigation Network. Financial terms of the deal between The Disney-ABC Television Group, Hearst Corporation, and NBC Universal were not disclosed. Disney and Hearst are equity partners in Lifetime Entertainment, while Disney, Hearst and NBC Universal own and operate A & E; Television Networks. The new media company will retain the A & E; Television name with Lifetime Entertainment as a subsidiary. Combining the networks creates new opportunities for expansion and cross-promotion and to yield cost efficiencies. “The new company will be much greater than the sum of its parts, positioning these brands for a new level of success and performance,” said Disney Media Networks Co-Chairman and Disney/ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. Mark R. Madler