Comcast-NBC U merger could hurt consumers

[alp227]

by Josh Silver and Tim Winter

After months of speculation and rumor, Comcast and NBC Universal have formally announced that they are getting hitched in one of the biggest media mergers in our nation's history. The country's largest cable company and residential broadband provider is poised to take a controlling stake in NBC's broadcast network, dozens of cable channels, 27 local television stations, a movie studio, and a long list of other holdings.

If this deal goes through as proposed, Comcast would control huge swaths of the cable, Internet, and content industries. It would be the first of a new generation of media behemoths, with more sure to follow.

What can consumers expect from this marriage? Higher prices for cable television and Internet access. Less local, diverse programming and independent media. More sensationalism and even fewer family-friendly content choices.

If you think you're already paying too much to watch TV or go online, if you care about open and unfettered Internet access, or if you worry about what your kids see, you have good reason to object to this wedding. And you'd better speak now or forever pay the price.

--snip--

Josh Silver is the executive director of Free Press, a nonprofit media reform group. Tim Winter is president of the Parents Television Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and families from graphic sex, violence, and profanity in entertainment. They can be reached via www.freepress.net and www.parentstv.org.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/78749242.html

Of course, we all know how the PTC advocates more government censorship of indecent content from our airwaves. It's sorta ironic to see the liberal, registered Democrat president of PTC Winter collaborate with someone heading an organization called "free press". But a good op-ed nonetheless.

[napi21]

1. I really don't want to see another meda merger. I think they're all too

closely linked already! The other thing about this particular merger that scares me is that my friends tell me Comcast moved MSNBC to an additional pay tierl I guess it's not a LOT of $$, but it still means they teei it off their first tier package. To me that means they are trying to diminish the cable channel. I don't have Comcast byt I think tat means if Comcast owner it all, they may try to disolve the entire channel! Good by Keith, Rachel, Chris, Dylan & all the others. That scares me!

[Vinnie From Indy]

2. America looks more and more like kleptocracy everyday

When the prices in other countries are fractions of what they are here, what else is there to think? America's internet access is a joke compared with most of the world. Not only do we get MUCH slower access, we pay four and five times as much for the privilege. Cable is no different. Americans are sheep to be sheared by these mega-corps. And, in comparison with other countries, it is absurdly obvious.