FCC Approves NBC Universal Acquisition

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The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday approved Comcast’s acquisition of General Electric’s NBC Universal with a number of conditions designed to address concerns of competitors and consumer groups.

The deal, valued at $30 billion, combines the nation’s largest cable TV and broadband Internet operator with a major media content provider. NBC Universal properties include Universal Pictures, broadcast network NBC and cable news and entertainment channels CNBC and USA. The joint venture will be managed by Comcast, which will own 51 percent. GE will own 49 percent.

The FCC’s 4-to-1 vote approval was contingent on Philadelphia-base Comcast agreeing to several conditions aimed a maintaining competition among TV and Internet providers. Comcast will be required to make its TV content available to other cable and satellite TV distributors and online distributors.

Regulators also will require Comcast to offer an Internet service that will enable customers to view video online without having to subscribe to Comcast’s cable TV service.

Steve Burke will become chief executive of Universal City-based NBC Universal after the transaction closes, which is expected by the end of the month.

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