Viacom Raises Red Flags On Comcast/NBCU

Viacom expressed concerns that the proposed merger of Comcast with NBC Universal would impact independent programming during meetings with Federal Communications Commission members Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn.

Viacom representatives said they were concerned about the impact the merger would have on independent programming, saying the new company would have "increased incentive and ability to impede competition in the markets for linear and over-the-top video programming by favoring its own content to the detriment of independent programmers." Those are the same concerns raised by some Members of Congress in calling on the FCC to put access conditions, including online access, on the joint venture.