This is what the Comcast/NBCU merger would mean for consumers: ownership of 19 Networks!

I was hoping that the FCC would be concerned that a platform provider also controls so much content. Aren't you concerned about a monopoly being applied here? Years ago, when the Studios also owned the Movie Theaters in the United States, it was considered monopolistic, and they were ordered to sell the Movie Theaters...what is the difference now? It is even worse with this amount of content under one roof. The amount of control is amazing. And the indifference of the FCC is astonishing. Ask Comcast what they will do if another upstart network wants to be on their systems..what does it take?(I believe the right answer would be ALOT OF MONEY TO BE PAID TO COMCAST). By the way, DIRECTV and DISH, for the most part, charge upstart networks a lot of money to be on carried on their satellites channels , making it really very difficult to get new channels. However, if you already are an existing entity, such as a Comcast, Cablevision, Time- Warner that already own networks and platforms..it is different scenario. In addition, even though the Fox Network, Disney, Viacom and Discovery may have their ups and downs in dealing with the platform providers, they seem to be able to effortlessly get a new network launched much easier. Indeed, look at how many networks that Discovery has already as well. If you take in Comcast-NBCU, Cablevision, Time-Warner, Disney, Fox, Viacom, Discovery, DIRECTV, Dish...you have covered almost 95% of all the platform providers and content providers in the country. 9 companies....wow.....that is alot of concentration.

This does not even include the Internet or other modes of delivery in the future...this truly is going to create a kind of disparity between companies in the industry, and will put more control in the hands of fewer and fewer companies. It is just one of those things that is unfortunate and should really not be allowed. I understand that everyone has their own agenda. This is one of the times that the right thing to do, would be to not allow this to happen..because, really, in the end, this is not what is in the best interest of the majority, but just a few.

I could be wrong, but I bet in this environment, there will be a need to downsize as a result of this merger, and alot of people will be put out of work. A shame.

BRAVO CNBC SYFY MUN2 GOLF CHANNEL EXERCISE TV STYLE E! ENTERTAINMENT TELEMUNDO SPROUT USA NETWORK SLEUTH CHILLER UNIVERSAL SPORTS NETWORK G-4 COMCAST SPORTS GROUP VERSUS MSNBC OXYGEN

Dan Zifkin Zephyr Media Group Phone# 847-328-1519 Cell Phone# 847-778-6143 Fax# 847-328-3518 Email: [email protected]