Comcast/NBC Merger Double-Approved by the Department of Justice and the FCC
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Update: On .Tuesday, both the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the FCC dropped their previous objections to the megamerger by approving it with the imposition of some conditions they said preserved market competition. Here is a report from DSLreports:
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While not surprising given they, well, said they would, the FCC today approved the Comcast/NBC merger with a 4-1 vote. The press release highlights the conditions that were applied, including
requirements for fair distribution of content to competitors (online or
traditional TV), a requirement that they continue to provide standalone
broadband "at reasonable prices and of sufficient bandwidth" (rumored to
be defined as $50 and 6 Mbps for 3 years) and requirements the new
company can't "exercise corporate control over or unreasonably withhold
programming from Hulu."
Comcast also agreed to expected voluntary conditions, including the delivery of $10 broadband to 2.5 million low income households. The company also agreed to expand their footprint to 400,000 additional homes, provide broadband Internet access service in six additional rural communities (both things probably already in Comcast's plans), and provide free video and high-speed Internet service to 600 new anchor institutions, such as schools and libraries, in underserved, low-income areas.
In a statement FCC boss Julius Genachowski insisted that "strong and fair merger conditions" (most of which expire after 7 years) ensure that the merger will serve the public interest. The lone dissenting voice was Michael Copps, who in a statement proclaimed the newly forged company would be too powerful:
Comcast also agreed to expected voluntary conditions, including the delivery of $10 broadband to 2.5 million low income households. The company also agreed to expand their footprint to 400,000 additional homes, provide broadband Internet access service in six additional rural communities (both things probably already in Comcast's plans), and provide free video and high-speed Internet service to 600 new anchor institutions, such as schools and libraries, in underserved, low-income areas.
In a statement FCC boss Julius Genachowski insisted that "strong and fair merger conditions" (most of which expire after 7 years) ensure that the merger will serve the public interest. The lone dissenting voice was Michael Copps, who in a statement proclaimed the newly forged company would be too powerful:
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If you're reading this site, you probably think the Comcast/NBC merger is a bad idea. In case you're not convinced, here's a graphic from Free Press/Stop Big Media that just might change your mind.
(Click on the image twice to magnify)