Ad Hoc Coalition to Highlight Negative Impact of the Proposed Comcast Takeover of NBC

WASHINGTON -- As Congress gears up for a double-header hearing on Comcast's proposed takeover of NBC, representatives of groups opposed to the takeover are holding a telebriefing for reporters on its harmful impact.

Here are the details:

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, 11 a.m.

Toll-free dial-in for reporters and bloggers: 1-866-635-4010

Conference pass code: 401#

Speakers:

Andrew Jay Schwartzman -- Media Access Project
Kathy Wallman -- WealthTV
Matt Polka -- American Cable Association
Debbie Goldman -- Communications Workers of America
Corie Wright -- Free Press

The telebriefing will include a discussion of the following reasons Congress, the Department of Justice and the FCC should be worried about the anti-competitive, anti-consumer effects of the merger:

• Skyrocketing cable rates at a time when many Americans are struggling financially
  
• Less new, diverse and independent programming
  
• A single company controlling premier TV and movie content, as well as access to cable systems, broadcast stations and the Internet
  
• Likely price-gouging by Comcast/NBC of rival video distributors (including smaller cable operators, DirecTV and FiOS) by bundling or charging more for desirable NBC programs
  

For more information, go to: www.freepress.net

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net