Rep Cárdenas: Proposed Comcast-Time Warner merger has 'chilling effect' on opposed voices

Rep Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) said the Federal Communications Commission's decision to extend the comment period for the proposed Comcast-Time Warner merger would allow a full opportunity to hear from all sides.

He argued that the potentially enormous company has discouraged some media, as well as cable and broadband companies that would be affected, to speak out against the merger due to fear of later retribution. “Part of the challenge we face is that many of those concerned with the merger will potentially have to sit across the negotiating table with a new Comcast-Time Warner Cable. Because this new entity will have such broad control over media production, distribution, cable and broadband, there is a natural chilling effect for many of those voices," Rep Cárdenas said. He warned that the merger had potential to limit media diversity.