FCC Approves Comcast-NBC Universal Deal

The Federal Communications Commission has today announced that is has approved Comcast’s acquisition of NBC Universal, giving Comcast control over NBC Universal’s vast library of movies and television programs.

The FCC determined that the joint venture would be “in the nation’s public interest.” The U.S. Justice Department also singed off on the acquisition, and will announce measures to ensure that Comcast share its content and audience with its competitors.

Comcast has said it would add 1,000 hours of informational programming to some channels, as well as contribute $20 million to minority programs. The company has also promised to make a $9.95 broadband option available for low-income households. Together, the companies now boast about 16.7 million broadband subscribers.

However, as The Washington Post points out, the venture isn’t sitting well with everyone. Democratic Commissioner Michael J. Copps, who was the only member of the Commission to dissent in the 4-to-1 vote, believes the move gives Comcast much too much power – to the ultimate detriment of its customers and the public at large.

All the majority’s efforts—diligent though they were—to ameliorate these harms cannot mask the truth that this Comcast-NBCU joint venture grievously fails the public interest.

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