CNBC joins with Yahoo to bolster web reach via content, programming and distribution alliance.

Comcast and fellow U.S. cable operators face DOJ inquiry over treatment of Netflix and Hulu.

New York's proposed big soda ban goes to public comment as former Coca-Cola exec switches sides.

American Express sponsors Kenny Chesney concert for live-streaming on YouTube.

Apple is likely killing Ping.

Burger King's summer BBQ menu rolls out with sweet potato fries and bacon sundae.

Citi partners with USAID to foster mobile commerce in developing nations.Continue reading...

Abbott Labs plans to split into two companies.

American Express equalizes health costs for gay employees.

Citigroup agrees to pay hefty fine to settle securities charges.

Daimler dismissed US. head of Mercedes-Benz over personal expenses.

Eni makes big natural-gas find off coast of Mozambique.

Fox's The X Factor gets off to a slow start.

Frito-Lay draws complaint about "immersive" marketing to kids.

Groupon discounts its IPO valuation.Continue reading...

Apple fans camp overnight to buy new iPhone 4S, with co-founder Steve Wozniak first in line.

Etsy's revised privacy policy includes increased use of real names.

Gap to shutter one in five U.S. stores while expanding abroad.

Google beats expectations with strong earnings despite weak economy.

Hulu stops looking for a buyer.Continue reading...

Since the start of the global recession, plenty of companies have shut down, entered bankruptcy, or laid off a good chunk of their workforce. Yet, as the Financial Times points out, some corporations manage to continue funding large museums and exhibitions, such as Deutsche Bank’s sponsorship of England’s Frieze Art Fair.

Deutsche Bank is so steady that it didn’t seem to bat an eye earlier this year when Frieze decided to also throw a fair in New York and another one alongside the one that already sprouts up in London, the FT notes: Deutsche went ahead and sponsored both of them, too. 

UBS sponsors Art Basel and Miami Basel; Unilever’s dollars are tied up in an annual commission at the Tate Modern. Other such brands as Converse, JP Morgan, Louis Vuitton, and Agnès B give as well. But despite these instances of corporate generosity, overall support for the arts by corporations has fallen 20 percent, according to a report cited by the FT.Continue reading...

Apple slows down growth in China and plans reveal iPhone 5 on its campus, as Verizon sides with Samsung in Apple dispute.

Arizona and Lipton fight for first place in dynamic tea category.

Audi and its new A6 "take over" Jersey City in new branded content with FX.

Blockbuster unveils streaming movie service as Netflix secures streaming deal with Dreamworks.

Bloomberg and Time shuffle web heads.

Boeing offers bidets and electric window shades on new Dreamliner for All Nippon Airways.

Bud Light pairs with Pitbull in pitch for Cuban-American consumers.Continue reading...

Pepsi returns to musical roots in spots for tonight's debut of The X Factor on Fox, while the UK version of the show copes with criticism over treatment of contestant. Meanwhile, analysts say that PepsiCo shareholders could reap big gains if the company executes a strategic split-up.

SABMiller gets Foster's to accede to a deal.

Burger King's post-King advertising clicks with consumers.

AOL needs Patch to turn a profit.

Apple schedules Oct. 4th press conference, presumably for iPhone 5 reveal.

CBS scores huge ratings for first episode of Two and a Half Men with Ashton Kutcher, including setting a Canadian TV record.

Chipotle sees strong growth potential from ShopHouse Asian eateries.

Chrysler seeks to keep lid on UAW pay through 2019.Continue reading...

Visa leverages Fundamo unit to boost growth in emerging markets.

Google+ opens up to all and renames group messaging app, while Hangouts API could open social video and +1 function expands to display ads.

UBS grapples with corporate culture in wake of rogue trader.

Amazon nears Kindle Library Lending service launch.

Anthem Blue Cross drops customers who pay by credit card.

Apple iPhone 5 speculation for October continues as brand beats its own American Customer Satisfaction Index performance.

Bombardier signs John Travolta as a brand ambassador.

Comcast aims to bridge digital divide with low-cost broadband plan. 

Disney plans to bring Avatar to its theme parks.Continue reading...

Disney sees Lion King 3-D dominate weekend box office.

Netflix separates movie-streaming and DVD-delivery services, renames DVD biz Qwikster; CEO says he "messed up."

AT&T and Coca-Cola set out to reinvent web audience measurement as Coke varies its bottle sizes.

Alfa Romeo delays U.S. return, spooking Fiat dealers who are counting on selling the brand.

Airbus raises forecast for aircraft demand.

AP launches mobile version of Sunday newspaper FSIs.

Blackstone teams up with Prestige Brands on GlaxoSmithKline unit bid.Continue reading...