Comcast, Don't Be Jerks!

In a recent article I read about the pending Comcast and NBC merger I realized just how much power and authority such a move will grant Comcast. One of the few Cable providers aptly did not sign there name to the petition for the FCC to work on new rules so that such interactions with newtworks and Cable providers (ABC and Cablevision) never interfere with the audiences enjoyment and entertainment again.

Why, oh, why would Comcast not sign their name to a petition that would ultimately be to their customers' immediate benefit? Well Comcast is about to become the owner of a brand new broadcasting network and a powerful one at that. When Comcast gains NBC it is very plausible that rates from other Cable providers will jump and many disputes and last minute pulling of programming could ensue. Just like what ABC did to Cablevision when they pulled accessibility to the Oscars from Cablevision consumers.

NBC has become a favorite in homes, with coverage of the Olympics, the return of Jay Leno to late night and various other programs NBC has a lot of influence over audiences at large.

There most definitely needs to be government regulation on this interaction between Comcast and NBC. No one provider should be able to influence other competing providers so drastically. With the consumer in mind, the government must do more than sit idly by as their citizens become the victims of a brutal television battle that could and most likely will occur.

This will directly effect all consumers of cable television at large and most notably in a negative manner. The FCC should take its first steps in regulating interactions between broadcasters and providers by becoming an influential member and representation of the pending interaction between Comcast and NBC.

Money has power as we all know and the implications behind this transaction should have government officials in an uproar.

How do you think the government should get directly involved in this issue?