In the News: Comcast, Unilever, Ford

Comcast and GE name Comcast COO Steve Burke as new CEO of NBC Universal, replacing Jeff Zucker after the NBCU sale to Comcast closes. 

Alberto Culver has been sold to Unilever for $3.7 billion in cash.

AIG will lose the US Treasury as a part-owner.

Apple's Ping music-based social network incorporates users' iTunes libraries.

Barnes & Noble ownership battle nears its climax.

BP pressured to restore reputation and stock price as new CEO Robert Dudley takes the reins on Friday.

Bravo spearheads barcodes on TV.

CBS creates 60 Minutes Overtime site to expand show to web, and launches a YouTube channel for viewer questions.

China Unicom tries to keep up with demand from Chinese consumers for Apple’s iPhone 4.

DirecTV looks to local advertising to grab market share from cable-based rivals.

Disney Studio narrows focus to three brands: Disney (family), Pixar (animation) and Marvel (superheroes).

Forbes' new advertising pitch: "Wanna buy a blog?"

Ford may cut lineup to as few as 20 models, expects "solid profit."

GetGlue adds major TV network sponsors to its social-networking and entertainment site.

Google celebrates turning 12 with a tweaked logo by artist Wayne Thiebaud.

HarperCollins launches conservative imprint, Broadside Books.

Hyundai recalls Sonata sedans in the US due to a steering defect.

New Yorker magazine launches on the iPad today.

Samsung emerges among final bidders for bankrupt Gianfranco Ferre fashion label.

Sinochem Group, China’s largest fertilizer trader, has emerged as the likeliest bidder to rival BHP Billiton’s $40 billion offer for Potash Corp.

Southwest Airlines is buying AirTran for $1.4 billion.

Starbucks, Absolut and OfficeMax join brands scrutinizing their pricing.

Takefuji Corp., Japan's third-biggest consumer lender, is planning to restructure.

Tech news dominated by Apple (15.1%) and Google (11.4%), while Microsoft nabbed only 3% of coverage from June '09 through June '10.

UGG brand is "sitting pretty" in WSJ's view as cobranded Jimmy Choo line hits stores in October.

UK's United Biscuits could be sold to Chinese firm.

Vanguard CEO Bill McNabb not resting on laurels received during financial crisis.

Waitrose pledges to match Tesco's prices on branded products.

Wal-Mart is making a $4.5 billion play for South African retailer Massmart.