FCC Pauses Shot Clock on Charter-TWC Review

The Federal Communications Commission has paused the clock on the Charter-Time Warner Cable-Bright House Networks merger review for 15 days. The FCC had no comment beyond what it said in a letter to the parties informing them, but the stoppage, not unusual in merger reviews, came after documents were submitted around the holiday breaks.

“We have recently submitted supplemental information to underscore the benefits of these transactions and it is expected that the FCC would want to give the public time to comment," Charter said. "We are working well with the FCC on its review of our deal and continue to look forward to a timely approval.” That included information on interconnection, cybersecurity, regional sports networks, low-cost broadband and more. "The commission has a strong interest in ensuring a full and complete record upon which to base its decision in this proceeding," the FCC said. "Pausing the clock will ensure that commenters have sufficient time to review and comment on this new information, and will provide commission staff with the necessary time to review both the applicants' materials and any responses." The FCC's 180-day shot clock is an informal guide, not a deadline.