FCC Seeks Comment on Comcast-NBC Universal Deal

[Source: Benton Foundation; March 18, 2010]

On January 28, 2010, Comcast, General Electric and NBC Universal jointly submitted applications to the Federal Communications Commission seeking consent to assign and transfer control of certain broadcast, broadcast auxiliary, satellite earth station and private land mobile and private fixed microwave licenses to a new limited liability company that would constitute a joint venture of GE and Comcast.

On March 5, 2010, the Applicants filed an economists' report entitled "Application of the Commission Staff Model of Vertical Foreclosure to the Proposed Comcast-NBCU Transaction," which they have requested be considered as part of the Application.  The proposed transaction would combine the broadcast, cable programming, motion picture studio, theme park and online content businesses of NBCU with the cable programming and certain online content businesses of Comcast.

The FCC is now seeking comment from all interested persons to assist the Commission in its independent review of this proposed transaction.

The details of the proposed transaction and the procedures on how to file petitions to deny and comments are set forth on this Public Notice.  Comments are due May 3.