The merger between Charter and Cox represents a significant shift in the cable industry landscape. As two of America’s largest cable companies combine forces, questions arise about the future of other major players like Comcast. This \$34.5 billion megadeal positions Charter and Cox to better compete against wireless providers, but it also means John Malone’s Liberty Broadband will lose its ownership stake in Charter. The merger aims to strengthen the companies’ market position amid escalating competition in the telecommunications sector. — new from Barron’s