Comcast seeks approval for NBC merger

Comcast promised Thursday its merger with NBC Universal would enhance competition across the airwaves.

In comments filed Thursday with the Federal Communications Commission, Comcast said it would continue to  provide free over-the-air broadcasting and to share its programming with competing cable providers. It also promised to increase the quantity of diverse and local programing when it takes over NBC Universal.

Taking on criticism that the merger would be anti-competitive, Comcast said the improvements it would bring to NBC would spur "other content producers and distributors to invest and innovate, thereby enhancing competition."

Consumer groups worry the merger will have the opposite effect by consolidating two content production and distribution powerhouses. They say the major transaction would stifle competition and raise prices for consumers, and lawmakers are expected to scrutinize the merger closely.

The formal filing with the FCC is the next step for Comcast in seeking regulatory approval of its acquisition of NBC Universal.

The companies also need the approval of the Justice Department, with which Comcast and NBC filed papers earlier this week.

Congressional hearings on the merger begin next week. Lawmakers have already voiced their own concerns with the deal.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) said he's pleased with Comcast's public interest promises, but "I will be looking for additional guarantees to protect competition and consumers."

Those guarantees could include more commitments to independent programming, maintaining access to sports programming and ensuring consumers still have access to favorite shows online at a low cost, he said.

Rep. Henry C. Johnson (D-Ga.), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, said "I continue to reserve judgement on the proposed merger, but the FCC public filing is a step in the right direction to alleviate concerns about the potential anticompetitive effects of the transaction."