Public Opposition to Comcast Takeover of NBC Is Growing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 28, 2010
Contact: Liz Rose, Communications Director, 202-265-1490 x 32

WASHINGTON -- In response to Comcast’s filing at the Federal Communications Commission on its public interest commitments under its proposed takeover of NBC, Free Press Executive Director Josh Silver said, "Comcast's claims that this merger will benefit consumers are positively Orwellian. The company gives little evidence beyond assertions that this merger will produce anything other than job cuts, higher cable bills, fewer independent programmers, and a retreat from public service media.

"Comcast's reputation for customer service ranks about one rung above Enron and Blackwater. The idea that it is magically going to be consumer friendly after it gets bigger doesn't pass the laugh test. Regulators at FCC and the Department of Justice should cut through the rhetoric and put a spotlight on the real problems with this kind of unprecedented media consolidation."

Silver noted that public pressure is building for the government to stop the Comcast takeover of NBC. Since the deal was announced, 24,000 Americans have said they oppose it. Free Press is sending these public complaints to the FCC today, and Congress is scheduled to hold hearings on the proposed takeover on February 4, 2010.

For more information, go to: www.freepress.net/comcast

Read the Free Press fact sheet on Comcast's takeover of NBC: http://www.freepress.net/files/Comcast-NBC_Bad_Deal_for_Consumers.pdf

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.