The FCC, DOJ, and the Comcast/Time Warner Merger

The proposed Comcast-TimeWarner merger (worth an estimated $45 billion–yes, that’s $45 billion with a B), will probably face scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice. After all, two enormous companies coming together will create an overwhelming presence in all but one of the 20 biggest markets in the country. CNN Money points out that such a merger might mean higher prices and fewer choices for consumers–hence a careful lookover from Justice. Comcast’s CEO says he’s not particularly worried.  But former FCC Chair Reed Hundt said he thought both the FCC and DOJ would examine the deal carefully.

Note that Comcast purchased GE’s remaining interest in NBCUniversal in 2013 for $17 billion.