Rockefeller Pans Comcast-NBCU Deal

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) told the Federal Communications Commission that the proposed merger of Comcast and NBC Universal could have a detrimental impact on consumers and competition.

Using terms such as "worry," "fear" and "concern," the senator warned FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski that the deal could result in higher rates, fewer programming choices, and the blocking of competing online content. The lawmaker urged the agency to carefully scrutinize the transaction, emphasizing that "a merger of this magnitude has the power to reshape the media landscape."