Comcast-NBC Probe Lets FCC Seek Concessions for Web TV Startups

The Federal Communications Commission may demand concessions that help Web startups in order for Comcast to win approval for its purchase of NBC. The FCC may bar Comcast, the largest US cable service, from interfering with Web video startups such as Roku and Boxee or from denying them NBC shows or films. "Internet programming is just taking hold as this merger comes before the government," said Paul Gallant, a former FCC aide who is an analyst for Concept Capital's Washington Research Group. The agency "may consider declaring that Internet TV companies have program access rights" like satellite services.