Nonetheless, far too many valid contractual claims remain on the car companies' revenue streams from dealers, employees, retirees and others for these companies to survive -- even if we get a modest economic recovery soon.

WSJ: The Auto Makers Are Already Bankrupt

As expected, the performance paid off, and Disney stated that the channel was the prime driver of cable networks revenue growth in Q3 fiscal 2012, due to a contractual increase in subscription fees.

FORBES: Disney's Banner Year Buttressed By ESPN's Strength