DOJ investigates Comcast ad business for antitrust violations

Comcast is under investigation by the Department of Justice for possible antitrust law violations. According to the Wall Street Journal, the investigation is focused on “monopolization or attempted monopolization” of the company’s cable advertising business.

The agency’s antitrust unit is looking into Comcast’s influence in setting local TV ad prices, both in the TV ad markets of its 22.3 million customers and in the markets of NCC Media, a national ad clearinghouse in which Comcast owns a majority interest. Investigators will examine whether Comcast’s deals with rivals are “an unlawful restraint of trade.”

Justice Department Probing Comcast’s Role in ‘Spot’ Cable Ad Sales Market (Wall Street Journal, Nov. 24, 2015)