CU Launches New Campaign Against Comcast Buyout of NBC

Reject-Comcast-NBC WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, today is stepping up its effort to urge federal regulators to reject Comcast’s bid to buy NBC Universal.

The consumer organization is unveiling a 10-by-22-foot mobile billboard with a tongue-in-cheek image of a boa constrictor that resembles a TV cable. The "cable constrictor" is seen wrapped around a TV set, and the tagline reads “Don’t Constrict Choice – Reject the Comcast Buyout of NBC.”

The mobile billboard will snake through the streets of Washington this week, while ads featuring the “cable constrictor” will appear in print and online media aimed at D.C. policymakers.

The print and online ads point readers to a web site — SayNoToComcastNBC.org — where they can write the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about the proposed deal.

The campaign is the latest effort by Consumers Union against the combination of Comcast, the nation’s largest provider of cable TV and residential broadband Internet service, and the NBC programming empire.

Parul P. Desai, policy counsel for Consumers Union, said the deal would create a media giant with great potential for abusive behavior. A combined Comcast-NBC, she said, could lead to higher prices for consumers and further consolidation of media choices.

“Regulators should reject Comcast’s buyout of NBC because it’s a bad deal for consumers and competition,” Desai said. “In this economy, consumers should not be at risk of higher prices for cable and Internet service. While the companies have said they won’t engage in anticompetitive practices, Comcast has earned deep distrust. Comcast routinely raises rates, requires customers to buy packages of channels they don’t watch to get the few they do, and slaps stiff penalties on people who want to move to another broadband company for better service. Allowing Comcast to take over the content by NBC Universal could mean consumers would pay higher prices and have fewer media choices.”

In the upcoming issue of Consumer Reports, a Consumers Union editorial says, “CU’s deep concerns about the proposed deal are about more than size. The merger would create a media conglomerate of incredible power and reach. Left to its own devices, Comcast/NBCU could manage and manipulate the creation and delivery of entertainment, news, and information to its liking. And Comcast/NBCU would be free to charge competitors higher prices to access its programming. Inevitably, those costs would be passed on to consumers."

Contact:
David Butler, Consumers Union, 202.462.6262 or dbutler@consumer.org

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.

© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.