THE WEEK AHEAD...

Coming Monday

With Americans watching billions of hours of sports programming, pay-TV distributors have written big checks for the rights to carry sports channels. But the high cost of the programming has fueled a surge in cable bills — and customer cord-cutting. Now, pay-TV companies are pushing back against those high fees.

Speaking of CBS, Viacom

The leaders of CBS and Viacom will appear Monday on the same stage amid speculation the companies will reunite. CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves and Viacom acting CEO Robert Bakish will separately appear at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference in New York, and are likely to update investors on prospects for a merger of the former corporate siblings.

Walt Disney’s will for sale

The last will and testament of Walt Disney will go up for sale in Calabasas on Friday as part of an auction of animation art and “Disneyana.” Auction house Prof iles in History estimates that the nine-page will and testament, from 1941, will sell for $40,000 to $60,000. Also for sale will be a 1953 document in which Walt Disney gives his company license to use his name.

Expo to focus on drones

The fast-growing business of building, selling and f lying small unmanned aircraft will be the focus of the International Drone Expo set for Friday and Saturday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Organizers expect at least 100 exhibitors and 3,500 buyers to attend. Sessions will address such topics as regulation, drones in f ilm and television production, and start-up funding.

Deadline for spending bill

Congress faces a Friday deadline to pass a bill to keep the government running. Lawmakers failed to pass appropriation legislation before the new fiscal year began Oct. 1, but avoided a government shutdown by approving a temporary spending bill to keep public services operating until Friday. GOP leaders want to pass another shortterm spending bill to last until spring.