FCC extends Comcast-NBC merger comment period as it awaits documents
The FCC has extended the formal comments period on the Comcast-NBC Universal merger as it awaits delivery of documents both companies have failed to present. Originally, the formal deadline for comments was scheduled for May 3, 2010, but will now be 45 days from when the FCC receives the documents.
Comcast Corp. has recently made a bid for ownership of NBC-Universal. If approved, Comcast would own a controlling 51 percent share of the combined company.
Speed Matters, the Communications Workers of America and a coalition of other organizations are all concerned that this proposed merger would give Comcast NBC unprecedented control over both the creation and distribution of their content.
At a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General Eric Holder, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) raised questions over the effects of the merger on consumer cable prices. Watch the video of Sen. Franken and AG Holder's exchange:
While Attorney General Eric Holder was reluctant to discuss details of an ongoing Justice Department investigation, he did acknowledge that Justice was completing an audit to ensure that the merger met antitrust standards.
In addition, Rep. Maxine Waters and fifty-one co-sponsors submitted legislation requiring the Federal Communications Commission to extend its public comment period an additional 45 days. The Congresswoman also sent letters to her colleagues and FCC chairman Julius Genachowski asking for support in extending the formal comments period.
Rep. Waters cited concerns over what implications the merger might have on diversity, localism, and competition in the media market. A combined Comcast and NBC-Universal would have control over one of the nation's largest networks, with 27 broadcast television stations, 12 national cable channels, seven production studios, and several internet properties.
Such an unprecedented combination would further consolidate media ownership in a market where five companies own America's major broadcast networks, and 90 percent of the top 50 cable networks.
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