DirecTV Group Inc. (DTV) interim Chief Executive Larry Hunter said the company has a goal of announcing a new CEO in the near future, but he didn't provide a specific timeframe.

The company is also making progress on completing its merger with Liberty Entertainment Inc., Hunter told analysts during a conference call on Thursday, and expects it to close shortly after getting DirecTV shareholder approval.

Looking at the fourth quarter, Hunter said he expects customer turnover to be higher than year-earlier levels. In the third-quarter, DirecTV posted an increase in its turnover, or churn, rate. Hunter added he is seeing the other video providers easing off promotional efforts in the recent weeks versus the third quarter.

While the company didn't provide much of a forecast for next year, Hunter said he expects average revenue per user to be higher in 2010 than this year, and is planning on launching more services.

Chief Financial Officer Patrick Doyle said that even after the merger with Liberty, he believes the company will continue its stock-buyback program. He added he believes the stock is undervalued.

Doyle added he sees an opportunity to grow its business in the commercial segments and buildings such as apartments and condominiums.

Hunter said that DirecTV is working extensively on the "TV Everywhere" project, which puts online content behind a pay wall that cable and satellite TV subscribers can access. Some form of the service will be rolled out next year, he added.

-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2153; roger.cheng@dowjones.com
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