New York Times Challenges NBCU-Comcast Merger

In an editorial published this week, the New York Times joined a growing number of voices raising concerns about the proposed NBCU-Comcast merger, arguing that it would be disastrous for consumers. According to the Times, the new entity would have none of the constraints faced by other cable networks and would have carte blanche to edge out competitors.

"What if the combined company limited access to its shows online to subscribers of its broadband service or cable packages? Or if it refused to provide NBC Universal content to rival online services? It could degrade the online signal of rivals, or charge through the roof to transmit their content to its broadband subscribers."

The editorial encourages regulators to take their time with the merger hearings, and to thoroughly consider the implications of allowing Comcast NBCU to act unhampered.

"Regulators do not need to rush. The combined company would have the ability, and the incentive, to hamstring online innovation. The F.C.C. and the Justice Department must carefully assess potential threats to the new competition and put precise conditions on a merger to prevent the new media goliath from stamping it out."

CWA and Speed Matters, as well as a host of other consumer-minded organizations, support strong conditions to protect consumers from anti-competitive behavior by a merged Comcast-NBCU. The proposed merger could cost consumers $2.4 billion.

Comcast and NBC (New York Times)

Consumers Could Pay $2.4 Billion for Comcast-NBCU Merger (Speed Matters)