Person close to talks: Cablevision close to buying Newsday

Cablevision hasn't commented about its interest in getting into the newspaper business, and its investors are starting to get antsy about the company's recent appetite for acquisitions.

Analysts peppered Cablevision Chief Executive James Dolan with questions Thursday about its rationale for going after Newsday, but he declined to comment. The exchange came on a conference call to discuss the company's latest earnings.

The day before its earnings release, Cablevision announced another acquisition: The purchase of Robert Redford's Sundance Channel for about $500 million.

Unlike newspapers, Cablevision does have a strong record in running cable networks, and is on a roll with its AMC channel, which has garnered critical acclaim with original series including "Mad Men." Cablevision also owns a local news cable channel, News 12.

Besides other cable channels including IFC and WE tv, Cablevision also owns Madison Square Garden, the NBA's New York Knicks, the NHL's New York Rangers, and Radio City Music Hall.