Comcast Corporation (NYSE: CMCSA) chief executive Brian Robert's received a 20 percent pay cut in 2007 and the company's stock was one of the worst performers. The CEO - along with several other executives - received sharp criticism from shareholders for investing too heavily in its business in 2007 and ignoring shareholders. The stock recovered modestly this year after he took actions to help shareholders by issuing a dividend and initiating a share buyback program.

Mr. Roberts received total compensation of $20.8 million in 2007 compared to $26 million a year earlier. His pay this year did include a small rise in base salary and stock awards, but a reduction in other areas brought the numbers down. The executive also received other compensation, including $13,500 in retirement plan contributions and $270,898 in personal use of the company aircraft.

Shareholders upset with the executive compensation at the company also made several proposals in the proxy document. Among them was a non-binding vote on compensation, a requirement to nominate two directors for each opening, the elimination of the dual-class share structure, and a proposal to disclose the names of all executives who earn more than $500,000 per year. Not surprisingly, the company has recommended against all of these proposals.