Unlike the recent United/Continental merger, which blazed through its regulatory hurdles like something that goes really fast through something else, the marriage of NBC Universal and Comcast isn’t moving as speedily. Yesterday, the FCC hit both bride and groom with a handful of questions it wants answered before giving its blessing to the union.

From the Washington Post:

Specifically, the FCC asked Comcast to submit copies of its agreements to distribute its cable channels such as Regional Sports Network, E! and the Golf Channel to Time Warner Cable, Cox, Brighthouse, DirecTV and other competitors. NBC was asked to show recent contracts for the distribution of its cable networks…

In its letter to Comcast and NBC Universal, the FCC asks several questions about managed services, asking how pay-per-view, video on demand and other video services are sold and who pays for them (the video provider, subscriber or the network).

The FCC also required detailed information regarding advertisers and ad revenue for both TV and online.

The two companies are expected to have their responses back to the FCC by Oct. 18.

If, like our parent company Consumer Union, you are against the NBC/Comcast merger and want to lend your voice to the dissent, CU has launched an online petition that you can add your name to.

Comcast-NBC Universal merger review hits FCC speed bump [Washington Post]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.