The Federal Communicactions Commission today approved the Comcast/NBCU merger, “with conditions and enforceable commitments.” The vote was 4-1, with commissioner Michael Copps voting against the merger, expressing concerns over media consolidation.
In a press release, the FCC states its “decision is based on a thorough review of the record” and “public input” from a forum held in Chicago, and that approving the merger “is in the public interest.”
As part of the merger, the combined company will be required to “foster competition in the video marketplace,” increase local news coverage, expand children’s programming, “enhance the diversity of programming available to Spanish-speaking viewers,” and offer reduced price broadband services to low-income Americans.
The Department of Justice also approved the deal today, after Comcast and NBCU agreed to several changes from the original proposal. The terms of the DOJ settlement are outlined on their site. Among the DOJ’s conditions: that Comcast/NBCU give up its voting rights in Hulu.
With FCC and DOJ approval, the deal should be finalized before the end of the month.
