Comcast + NBC raises NO-BRAINER regulatory questions
Let's all say a collective "Duh!"
If Comcast buys NBC, Comcast won't be allowed to remove NBC channels from TimeWarner or DirecTV offerings. "Duh!" If Comcast buys NBC, Comcast won't be allowed to delay airings of NBC shows on rival MSO offerings. "Duh!" If Comcast buys NBC, Comcast won't be allowed to limit online viewing of NBC content to only Comcast subscribers. Again, a no-brainer "duh!".Comcast's interest in NBC is not to gain unfair distribution advantage. It is to move up the media value chain, closer to content, diversify its assets, and acquire a "safer" revenue stream as cable TV increasingly becomes a "dumb pipe".
Comcast won't screw up those objectives by pursuing clearly short-sighted and probably illegal content hording (which also severely limits the value of the content!).
Here's the WSJ blog post:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/11/a_comcast_buy_of_nbc_raises_sl.html
Sent via BlackBerry
6 comments
Nov 03, 2009
Tom Turnbull said...
Comcast/NBC would have a hard time saying no to this for the same reasons. http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=116652
Nov 03, 2009
Mike Berkley said...
The iTunes TV subscription service is exactly what Disney (partially owned by Steve Jobs) has been pimping for the last 6 months. Similar idea to TV Everywhere, but with a lot less content (initially, at least).
Nov 03, 2009
Tom Turnbull said...
Right, and in the context of regulatory pressures, it becomes more difficult for Comcast/NBC to not participate. In other words, NBC deal helps iTunes build out its content.
Nov 03, 2009
Mike Berkley said...
Sure. But NBC shouldn't need regulatory pressure to get them to participate in iTunes. They should do it regardless -- there's only upside for them since it doesn't limit any of their other distribution options.
Nov 03, 2009
Tom Turnbull said...
I really doubt Comcast is interested in seeing iTunes selling all you can eat TV content for $30 per month.
Nov 03, 2009
Mike Berkley said...
Yes, yes, of course not. I was thinking from NBC's perspective. You are right.
