FCC decision on NBC-Comcast merger expected this week

[cal04]

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/138315-fcc-decision-on-nbc-comcast-expected-this-week

(snip)
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski indicated in December the commission will approve the transaction; sources told The Hill Monday that commission members are currently finalizing their opinions and a final decision could be reached as soon as Tuesday.

While FCC members haven't publicly stated their positions on the merger, Democratic Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael Copps are the most likely sources of dissent. Both have indicated concern about the impact of the nation's largest broadband provider purchasing one of the four broadcast networks.

The FCC's conditions for the transaction have yet to be finalized, but indications are they will include a clause that will ban the new entity from discriminating against competing content providers or withholding content from rival online video services.

The final agreement will also include provisions to encourage minority representation in the media industry and preserve access for independent programmers and content providers. The Justice Department is expected to conclude a separate review in the coming weeks as well.

[onenote]

1. My prediction: a 5-0 or 4-1 decision on approving the merger

but with separate statements objecting to various conditions as going to far (from the repub Commissioners) or not far enough (from Copps and maybe Clyburn)

[ananda]

2. The whole merger super sucks!

Being sold down the river as usual.

[upi402]

3. How is sattelite

for Vonage phone and internet?
Comcast should not get this.

[Atman]

4. Oh, gosh...I wonder what it will be? (not)

If a giant corporation i$ going to make more money and get a tighter grip on a market $egment, our government will rule in favor of it. It no longer matter$ which party is in charge...the Corporate Party make$ all the decision$.