Comcast Gets Static on Net TV
The Justice Department is focusing in on how Comcast Corp.’s (CMCSA) bid to purchase control of General Electric Co.’s (GE) NBC Universal television and movie unit could affect the emerging Internet video market, people familiar with the matter say.
Competitors have complained that the combined powerhouse could stunt the Internet video industry’s growth.
During its eight-month review of the roughly $13.75 billion deal, the agency’s antitrust division has become interested in finding out whether Comcast and other cable and satellite giants are trying to lock up distribution rights to television programming on the Internet, which would block potential competition, according to people familiar with the matter.