Justice Department Probing Comcast’s Role in ‘Spot’ Cable Ad Sales Market

The US Justice Department is investigating whether Comcast’s business practices in the $5 billion cable advertising-sales market violate federal antitrust law. A document, known as a civil investigative demand, indicates the department’s antitrust division is probing whether Comcast’s cable ad sales, as well as its deals to represent rival pay TV providers’ ad sales, are hindering competition.

The investigation is focused on “monopolization or attempted monopolization” of the so-called spot cable ad-sales business in locations where Comcast offers service, according to the document. The document also indicates the government is examining whether Comcast’s ad deals with pay TV rivals are an unlawful restraint of trade. The Justice Department is requesting additional information from companies in the market, including Comcast, according to people familiar with the matter. The scope of the government’s probe, which appears to be at an early stage, isn’t clear. Comcast said it plans to cooperate fully with the Justice Department’s inquiry.