Sanders tells DoJ to block NBC-Comcast merger

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote to the Department of Justice on Tuesday urging them to block Comcast's proposed acquisition of NBC Universal on the grounds it would damage the media landscape by reducing competition and increasing prices.

"Because this merger would lessen competition in three separate markets, and because it would put our media landscape in grave danger, I urge you to deny approval," Sanders wrote to Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney.

Sanders has been one of the most vocal opponents of the merger, which would give the nation's largest broadband Internet provider control of one of the four national broadcast networks as well as a number of studios, TV channels and local network affiliates. Competing firms and advocacy groups have also rallied against the deal.

In his letter Sanders warned the new entity would possess the incentive to shut out competitors and stifle the markets for video content, cable distribution and online video distribution. Comcast would also have the resources to exploit holes in existing regulations and influence lawmakers to their side, Sanders added.

"In fact, Comcast has already demonstrated that it intends to proceed down the road of insider influence, and in the last two election cycles, it has doubled its campaign contributions," Sanders noted.

"This savvy appears to be paying off, as, according to recent media reports, ninety-one of the ninety-nine House members and three of the five senators who recently wrote the Commission in support of the merger received donations from Comcast in the last election cycle," he continued. "There is no reason to assume that, if this merger is approved, Comcast-NBC will not have even more political clout in the future."

Comcast declined a request for comment, but has denied any plans to discriminate against competitors' content. Both NBC and Comcast have also made pledges designed to support independent and minority-owned programming.