Skepticism of Comcast-NBCU Merger Dominates FCC Hearing

A sweeping chorus of voices came out in opposition to the proposed Comcast-NBCU merger at an FCC field hearing in Chicago on July 13.

In his opening statement, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps insisted the Internet should not become the "province of gatekeepers and toll-gate collectors," and warned that the merger has the potential to reconfigure the media landscape in America.

Responding to assurances from Comcast that the consolidation will not lead to anti-competitive behavior, Commissioner Copps asserted:

"I cannot, I will not, accept half-hearted pledges of fairness from industry when the future of the Web is at stake. And right now the assurances and conditions we have received on this Comcast/NBCU proposal don't pass the red-face test.

Several public interest groups including Free Press and Access Media Project testified that the merger will give Comcast a powerful stranglehold on the industry and will result in higher prices for consumers and less diversity in media ownership.

The Communications Workers of America joins an array of consumer advocacy groups in raising serious concerns about the impact of the Comcast-NBC Universal merger on consumers and workers.

FCC commissioner is skeptical over Comcast, NBC Universal merger at hearing (Philly.com)

Anticipated Comcast-NBC Universal Merger must be stopped (Speed Matters)