Two rounds of WCIA bloodshed are in the book and the beaten bodies of 24 multi-billion dollar companies are being hauled off to be burned on a pyre. But for those businesses left standing — let’s call them the Elite 8 — the parade of pain marches on. [More]
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FCC To Reconsider Rules For Negotiations Between Broadcasters And Cable Companies
By 3.3.11
In recent years, the disputes between cable companies and broadcasters have gotten especially ugly as boardroom squabbles have spilled over onto the airwaves and online. And in the end, it’s always the subscribers who get hurt with blackouts and eventual price hikes. That’s why the FCC voted today to reinvestigate the rules and its role in these negotiations. [More]
This Polo Shirt Is Not Up To Buy More's Exacting Standards
By 2.16.11
Even if a shirt is purchased as part of a joke, it should hold up to multiple wearings and washings, right? Michael ordered a polo shirt with the Buy More store logo from the NBC series “Chuck.” The shirt is clearly defective, with a seam under the front buttons already unraveling, but NBC is holding firm: they won’t exchange the shirt for a non-defective one. What would Big Mike say? [More]
Will The Strings Attached To Comcast/NBC Deal Be Effective?
By 1.19.11
Both the FCC and the Justice Department have effectively cleared the way for Comcast (aka, that cable company from Philadelphia) to own a majority of NBC Universal, but the regulators did so with several strings attached to the deal. But the question remains: Will these rules do anything to protect consumers? [More]
FCC Approves Comcast/NBC Deal
By 1.18.11
It’s time to break out your favorite wedding clothes. The FCC has given its blessing to the marriage of Comcast — the reigning Worst Company In America — and NBC Universal. [More]
Comcast/NBC Marriage Could Get FCC Blessing Today
By 1.18.11
The way could soon be clear for the country’s largest cable TV provider (and reigning Worst Company In America) to acquire a majority share of the country’s fourth-ranked broadcast TV network, as reports claim the FCC will be voting today to approve the joining of Comcast and NBC Universal. [More]
Could An NFL Lockout Force Networks To Run Even More Ads?
By 1.12.11
Now that the NFL’s postseason is in full swing (even though my beloved Eagles were so quickly eliminated), it’s time for many to start wondering if owners and players will be able to resolve their problems before the start of the next season. If not, the biggest losers could end up being the networks and, by extension, TV viewers — whether they watch football or not. [More]
Photos: Behind The Scenes At CES 2011
By 1.5.11
While most of the reporters here spent this day before the official launch of CES 2011 going from press conference to press conference, I managed to convince a security guard that it was perfectly okay for me to walk around taking photos of the big booths being constructed. [More]
FCC Chair Wants Comcast To Guarantee Access To NBC Programs
By 12.23.10
In a memo to be circulated today, Federal Communications Chairman Julius Genachowski is expected to tell his fellow commissioners that he wants Comcast to agree to certain conditions before approving the cable giant’s takeover of NBC. Among them: a guarantee that competitors will be able to get access to NBC programs at fair rates, and an assurance that the company won’t throttle streaming services such as Netflix. [More]
NBC Tells Staff To Submit Paperwork For Comcast Transition, Even Though Merger Isn't Approved
By 12.13.10
A tipster says that NBC is having employees submit new paperwork for a new personnel management software program that will take over after the Comcast merger, even though that merger hasn’t been approved by the FCC yet. Hmm. Here’s the note: [More]
Comcast's Letter To The FCC About Netflix Tollgate
By 12.2.10
Here is the letter Comcast sent the FCC after eyebrows were raised when Level 3 accused the cable company of setting up a effective tollgate to collect fees when L3 tried to deliver Netflix content to Comcast customers. [More]
The 'Cable Constrictor' Hits The Streets To Warn People About Comcast/NBC Deal
By 11.30.10
As we told you earlier today, our brethren at Consumers Union have launched a public awareness campaign to alert consumers about the risks of the proposed sale of NBC Universal to Comcast. And as part of this campaign, CU’s Cable Constrictor moving billboard wended its way around Capitol Hill this morning. [More]
Comcast Charges Toll For Netflix Delivery
By 11.30.10
The largest broadband backbone provider in the world says Comcast has set up a tollbooth, charging it a fee to deliver Netflix content to Comcast customers. “This action by Comcast threatens the open Internet and is a clear abuse of the dominant control that Comcast exerts in broadband access,” said Level 3 in a statement. [More]
Consumers Union Asks You To Say No To Comcast/NBC Deal
By 11.30.10
With the clock still ticking on the proposed purchase of NBC Universal by Comcast, our benevolent benefactors at Consumers Union has launched a new website and advertising campaign to step up its efforts to alert the public to the perils of the deal. [More]
Al Franken Asks Justice Dept. To Investigate Comcast
By 11.23.10
Minnesota senator Al Franken is doing what he can to throw a wrench into the merger between cable giant Comcast and NBC, the network he once called home during his years on Saturday Night Live. Yesterday, he asked the Justice Department to investigate whether or not Comcast violated anti-trust laws when it announced who would fill the top positions in the acquired company, even though the deal has yet to get DOJ approval. [More]
TBS Makes Conan Episodes Available For Free Online
By 11.9.10
For the Conan fans out there who don’t feel like ponying up for basic cable, TBS has decided to post every episode of his new show online the day after it airs. [More]
Conan Dares NBC To Sue Him Over Masturbating Bear
By 10.27.10
It’s always tricky when a popular talk show host changes networks and tries to bring some of his associated gags and characters along with them. That’s the situation facing Conan O’Brien as he preps to launch his new TBS show and expects the suits at his former network NBC to have some complaints. [More]
Comcast Political Giving Up 61% Since Announcing NBC Deal
By 10.19.10
Since reaching a deal to buy NBC Universal in Dec. 2009, Comcast has increased its PAC contributions to election campaigns by 61% over the amount it gave in the same period leading up to the 2008 elections. [More]
