Six Myths About the Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger

[Commentary] Comcast’s proposed merger with Time Warner Cable would create the most powerful cable company and Internet service provider this country has ever known. And as Comcast has demonstrated in its new agreement with Netflix, the company has the power to force content providers to enter into secret and anti-competitive pricing deals that hurt consumers. What does this mean for you and me? Fewer choices, higher prices and less diversity in our media. Here’s the biggest myths and misconceptions about the deal.

1. Myth: Cord cutters have nothing to worry about. Fact: Online video and innovation will suffer most.
2. Myth: Comcast and Time Warner Cable don’t compete anyway, so this deal doesn’t change anything. Fact: This is all about competition and market power.
3. Myth: The Comcast merger is a boon for Net Neutrality. Fact: Comcast has to obey the FCC’s Open Internet Order but only until 2018.
4. Myth: Time Warner Cable will improve with Comcast’s help. Fact: Comcast is routinely at the bottom of customer-satisfaction lists.
5. Myth: There are plenty of sources for content and information. Fact: Comcast already has too much control over content.
6. Myth: I don’t subscribe to Comcast or Time Warner Cable, so this deal has no impact on me. Fact: This deal isn’t just about dollars. It’s about democracy.