Chairman Wheeler's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Charter Communications' Proposed Merger with Time Warner Cable and Acquisition of BrightHouse Networks

On Feb 2, Rep Kathy Castor (D-FL) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler requesting that the FCC conduct a robust public interest review of the application for transfer of licenses and authorizations relating to the merger of Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Advance/Newhouse Partnership, the parent of Bright House Networks. On Feb 17, Senate Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) wrote to Chairman Wheeler, encouraging him to closely review the transactions to ensure that they do not impede new, developing options for consumers to receive video content or undermine independent programmers' ability to access consumers.

On March 1, Chairman Wheeler responded to both letters, writing that "Consistent with our rules, the Commission will evaluate whether these proposed transactions are in the public interest. Our analysis on any transaction is always robust and takes several factors into account, including the issues you raise in your letter."