Comcastrophe

 

Comcastrophe

http://act2.freepress.net/sign/comcast_NBC_decision?source=twitter

The merger of Comcast and NBC Universal is a disaster for democratic media in America. I pledge to stand with others to stop similar mergers and protect access to diverse voices and local choices in my media.

Today the FCC blessed the merger of Comcast, the nation’s largest cable and internet provider, with NBC Universal. The Justice Department is expected to follow suit, marking an unprecedented consolidation of media and Internet power and control.
Letting one company both own the pipes and control the content that flows over those pipes is a formula for widespread abuse. Comcast-NBC will soon hike up rates, take away your favorite channels or even stop you from watching your favorite shows online. It has already targeted Netflix and other companies that compete with Comcast.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Wherever you live, the Comcast-NBC merger is a disaster.
Don’t let Washington insiders and mainstream media get away with blessing this bad deal as a benefit for the public.
Join a growing network of local activists who are fighting the corporate takeover of media:

First, sign this pledge to protect more choices and diverse voices in media.
Then, use Twitter, Facebook and e-mail to urge your friends to sign on as well. 
Comcast-NBC is just the first domino to fall in a wave of dangerous media mergers where even fewer companies control the content you watch and all the ways you want to watch it. Sign our pledge now and help us stop future media disasters.
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Comcast-NBC Universal merger approved

January 18th, 2011

02:56 PM ET

The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice on Tuesday approved - with several conditions - a merger of the country's largest cable operator, Comcast, and broadcasting
company NBC Universal.

The FCC voted 4-1 in favor of the deal.
"After a thorough review, we have adopted strong and fair merger conditions to ensure this transaction serves the public interest," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement.
The FCC said the Comcast-NBC Universal combination will be required to take steps to increase competition in the video marketplace. The merger will also require Comcast to expand local news coverage, expand programs for Spanish-speaking viewers and offer Internet access to schools and libraries.