Web companies close ranks to oppose merger of NBC Universal, Comcast

A group of leading Internet companies including Google, Yahoo!, Amazon.com and Wikipedia urged the government to reject Comcast's proposed acquisition of NBC Universal on the grounds that it will limit competition.

The firms are part of NetCoalition, an advocacy group that is also funded by Bloomberg, CNET Networks and IAC/Interactive Corp. Many of the firms have previously stated their opposition to the merger through the Coalition for Competition in Media. “The Internet remains one of the most dynamic forces in our economy, one that provides choice and access to millions of users worldwide. This merger puts too much of that resource in too few hands," said Markham Erickson, executive director of NetCoalition. Specifically, the group cites concerns with the merger's potential impact on diversity and competition in the media, as well as the lack of access for independent content creators and distributors. The group also warned of potential cost increases for consumers and reduced access to local sports broadcasts.