Sanders: Olbermann Suspension Highlights Need To Block NBC-Comcast Merger

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) says the MSNB’s recent decision to  briefly suspend MSNBC host Keith Olbermann highlights the need to block a proposed merger between NBC Universal and Comcast.

“What has not gotten a lot of attention in the midst of this controversy is that GE’s NBC Universal, one of the largest media conglomerates in the country, is in the process of merging with Comcast, the largest cable television provider in America,” Sanders said in a statement Monday. “The new head of that company would be Stephen B. Burke, Comcast’s chief operating officer and a “Bush Ranger” who raised at least $200,000 for the 2004 reelection campaign of President George W. Bush.”

Added Sanders, “I intend to do all that I can do to stop this merger.  There already is far too much media concentration in this country. We need more diversity. We need more local ownership. We need more viewpoints.”

This is not the first time in recent weeks that a lawmaker has cited disciplinary action against a television host as grounds for action. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) announced plans to cut off funding for PBS and NPR after the latter fired commentator Juan Williams.

Olbermann was suspended “indefinitely” Friday for making three $2,400 donations to Democratic candidates. He will return to his show, Countdown, Tuesday evening.

Proposed Comcast-NBC Merger Must Benefit Consumers, Says FCC Chairman

By Benny Martinez
University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski told members of the Senate's Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee that when reviewing the proposed Comcast/NBC Universal merger, consumer interests will be held in the highest regard.

Comcast, the country's largest cable and broadband company, announced in December 2009 that it planned to take over NBC Universal. Critics wondered whether the merger would create a media mogul that simultaneously would have the power to produce some of America's most popular entertainment, along with the ability to control the nation's access to it.

Genachowski said the FCC is focusing on preventing the merger from not only increasing prices for customers, but also reducing the amount of content they would have access to.

The focus on protecting consumers is one of three main pillars the FCC and Congress are hoping to see materialize from the prospective merger. In addition, Genachowski said the evolving nature of modern media will also be considered in the FCC's analysis, along with the stability of competition in the market.

"The enduring values remain what they were, promoting effective competition, protecting and empowering consumers, ensuring that there is innovation and promoting investment," Genachowski said. "Our focus will be on making sure that those values, those goals are achieved."

Aside from his remarks on the merger, Genachowski said the FCC is working to develop policies that would extend universal broadband to urban and rural America. According to the Chairman, these initiatives would ultimately enhance global competitiveness, create jobs and empower consumers.