Multistate AG taskforce looking at Comcast-Time Warner merger

It appears that the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission aren’t the only ones appraising Comcast’s plan to acquire Time Warner Cable. The Florida AG’s office told Reuters, “We are part of a multistate group reviewing the proposed transaction along with the U.S. DOJ Antitrust Division.”

Reuters could not be certain how many states have joined – or will join – in the effort. However, other news reports show that Maryland is part of the group, and California attorney general, Kamala Harris, is also on board.

According to a Reuters source, “The attorneys general group is focused on broadband rather than cable in assessing the $45.2 billion deal.”

In addition. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s office said that they are reviewing the merger independently, as is the state of Indiana.

And, a report in the New York Post yesterday said that “Gov. Cuomo and other state leaders are planning to tie Comcast’s $45 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable up in knots.” State leaders are planning to give the Public Service Commission (PSC) more power in the matter, a rule change which “would put the onus on Comcast to prove that its mega-merger with TWC is in the public interest, the sources said.”

Speed Matters urges state and federal justice officials to assess both the legality of the merger, and its project impact on workers and consumers.

Exclusive: States to probe Comcast plan to buy Time Warner Cable (Reuters, Mar. 19, 2014)

Cuomo could unplug Comcast-TWC merger (NY Post, Mar. 20, 2014)