Congress To Consider Comcast-NBC Deal

News reports indicate that the Senate Judiciary’s Antitrust Subcommittee will vet the Comcast-NBC Universal joint venture in late January or early February.  The reports indicate that Comcast Chairman Brian Roberts and NBC Universal President Jeff Zucker will testify at the hearing.  

Comcast and NBC Universal announced the $30 billion deal on December 3, 2009.  Because it combines substantial assets in television programming and distribution in one company, the deal will face considerable congressional and regulatory scrutiny.

In addition to the expected Senate hearing, other congressional committees will likely hold similar hearings.  Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, the Department of Justice will review the deal for competitive concerns.  The Federal Communications Commission will consider the communications policy aspects.

Update 01/06/10 – For more information, see today’s Wall Street Journal article on this topic here.