Comcast-NBCU: FCC Issues Call for Public Comment

Public, industry and activist groups have until May 3 to weigh in on proposed joint venture; replies due June 2

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/18/2010 11:40:00 AM

The FCC put its review of the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal joint venture out for general public comment on March 18. (Click here to view the public notice.)

That public, which will include plenty of industry and activist group reps, have until May 3 to weigh in with comments or oppose the deal, with reply comments due June 2, and final replies to those replies due June 17.

Comcast is proposing to pool some of its assets with NBCU and take a 51% stake in the new combined company in a deal valued at about $30 billion, mostly in the cable and content assets.

In the notice, the commission provides details of the deal and procedures for anyone wanting to file petitions to deny it.

The Justice Department is reviewing the deal for potential antitrust issues, while the FCC review extends into its impact on the public interest.