Comcast/NBC: Don't Make Consumers the Biggest Losers

[Commentary] A year ago, cable and Internet giant Comcast announced it wanted to become even bigger by acquiring fellow media behemoth NBC/Universal. Since then the companies have been seeking approval from federal regulators. At Consumers Union we believe the answer should be no.

A combined Comcast and NBC would instantly become a telecommunications colossus, wielding unprecedented influence over the news and entertainment we see and the price we pay for it. The deep concerns about the proposed deal are about more than size. It would create a media conglomerate of incredible power and reach. Left to its own devices, Comcast/NBC could manage and manipulate the creation and delivery of entertainment, news, and information to its liking. And Comcast/NBC would be free to charge competitors higher prices to access its programming. Inevitably, those costs would be passed on to consumers. Should regulators choose to allow the merger, it must be under strong terms that protect consumers, maintain competition, and ensure a diversity of media choices. For example, regulators must press the companies to ensure that all competitors -- including potential online rivals such as Netflix or Roku -- have access to the stable of all Comcast/NBC programming with reasonable rates and terms.

Regulators must also ensure that Comcast does not interfere with any lawful Internet traffic that its subscribers choose to access. These are just a few of the many ways regulators would need to protect consumers.