At Deadline

Bertelsmann is reportedly talking to RecordTV.com, a Web site that allows viewers to watch recorded television shows online. RecordTV, which sees its service as similar to a VCR, is being sued by the major studios for copyright infringement. CNN staffers were bracing for layoffs afer a memo from top executives warned that “aggressive changes” in programming and personnel assignments were on the way. The news network is preparing to play a key role as part of the combined America Online Time Warner. Hollywood studios, led by Son and Walt Disney Co. are looking to create their own video-on-demand services for the Internet. As consumers get broadband access, sending movie-length video digitally will become a big business, and they want to ensure they get a substantial cut of the revenue. CNBC Europe named Richard Cotton chief executive. Cotton was the longtime EVP, general counsel, for NBC.