Some of the biggest news to emerge from the media industry has arisen from Comcast’s expressed intention to buy a majority stake in NBC Universal from General Electric. This afternoon the FCC will conduct a forum to parse views and hear public opinion.
This afternoon we will wade through many of the issues raised by stakeholders during our public forum in Chicago. We have assembled two panels. The first will look at online video distribution. Television industry executives will take the stage with professors and policy figures to assess the impact of the merger on the growing world of online video. The second panel will look at the effect on multichannel video programming distributors, such as cable and satellite television companies. This set also includes internet providers, a group that increasing numbers of viewers rely upon to watch programming. After these panels we will ask for public comment. You can participate online during the event by asking questions of the panelists. Email livequestions@fcc.gov or use #fccNBC in your post on Twitter.
If you’re in Chicago today, come join us. The forum will take place at Northwestern University Law School’s Thorne Auditorium, from 1 – 8pm CST. No registration is required. Otherwise join us online. We will be streaming the event in its entirety at fcc.gov/live and will be live tweeting throughout the afternoon.
One Response to “Getting Ready for the Comcast NBCU Forum”
Not a good idea. Although the Supreme Court sided with Comcast because they did not break the letter of the unclear law, they knowingly broke the spirit of the law. With technology changing faster than the law is able to keep up, this merger will just create all kinds of new ways for Comcast to break the spirit of laws that aren't yet clearly defined. They will have too much power. They already have enough power to get the Supreme Court on their side rather than the FCC. This merger should at least be put off by several years. This will give the FCC ample time to write all the laws that need to be in place. Comcast has shown it will take advantage where possible. It is only fair to at least delay this until we have grasped the full use of IP Video technology and the FCC can have all regulations clearly defined. Otherwise thousands of tax payer dollars will be wasted in court.
Not a good idea. Although the Supreme Court sided with Comcast because they did not break the letter of the unclear law, they knowingly broke the spirit of the law. With technology changing faster than the law is able to keep up, this merger will just create all kinds of new ways for Comcast to break the spirit of laws that aren't yet clearly defined. They will have too much power. They already have enough power to get the Supreme Court on their side rather than the FCC. This merger should at least be put off by several years. This will give the FCC ample time to write all the laws that need to be in place. Comcast has shown it will take advantage where possible. It is only fair to at least delay this until we have grasped the full use of IP Video technology and the FCC can have all regulations clearly defined. Otherwise thousands of tax payer dollars will be wasted in court.