Issue Position: Comcast-NBC

Issue Position

When Comcast and NBC Universal announced they were merging, I was concerned about the potential costs for consumers and about the lack of each corporation's commitment to roles for minorities and women in front of and behind the camera, specifically on issues related to programming, production, and distribution.

I immediately asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates the nation's airwaves and mergers such as this -- to extend their comment period so the public and media and consumer watchdog groups could weigh in with their thoughts on the merger. After I introduced legislation to mandate the extension of the comment period, the FCC extended it by 45 days.

I then began insisting that the FCC hold public hearings on the merger. I was encouraged to be joined by two FCC commissioners about the need for public hearings, and that the FCC agreed to an informal public meeting in Chicago this summer. However, I expect the FCC to begin formal public hearings as soon as possible. The American people deserve to know all aspects and implications of this merger.

I also led and participated in two Congressional field hearings in Los Angeles and Chicago this past summer, to further analyze and understand the scope of this merger. I have heard from writers, directors, producers, distributors and other media and consumer professionals who have expressed grave concerns about this merger and the implications it will have for them and American consumers of television, internet and phone services.

I pledge to stay on top of this issue, and ensure that each corporation is committed to diversity and affordability.

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