Digital

FCC’s Copps Says Comcast/NBCU Deal Has ‘Steep Climb’

The Comcast/NBCU deal was barely announced before FCC Commissioner Michael Copps weighed in with reservations, noting that, as expected, the deal faces “a very steep climb with me,” B&C reports. Copps is a longtime skeptic of media consolidation. "I am…

Comcast Promises More Kids and Local Programs, Fair Terms to Get Regulatory Approval on NBCU Deal

Comcast Corp., in a statement released today regarding its deal to acquire control of NBC Universal from General Electric, is promising to increase local and children’s programming and give rival media companies access to NBC broadcast stations on fair terms,…

Comcast Explains (Sorta) Its Position on Whether Hulu Should Have a Pay Tier

There was some confusion this morning as to what Comcast’s position is about making any part of Hulu a pay service. Recently, one of the Hulu partners, News Corp’s Deputy Chairman, Chase Carey, said that was likely in the cards. Here’s what…

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts Responds to Malone’s Comments That the Broadcast Model is Broken

In today’s conference call with the press about Comcast’s announced deal to acquire 51% of NBC Universal, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts was asked by TVWeek about Liberty Media chief [and DirecTV owner] John Malone’s recent comments that the broadcast model…

GE and Comcast Announce Deal: Brian Roberts Says Company Committed to Broadcast, and That Comcast Shareholders Have Nothing to Fear

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, in an interview with CNBC this morning announcing that Comcast will take a 51% stake in NBC Universal, said that the company is commited to broadcast TV. "We’d like to invest in the business and succeed…

Comcast Renames its OnDemand Online Service

Comcast has a new name for its OnDemand Online service launching this month, B&C reports. According to promotional materials obtained by B&C, the new name is Fancast Xfinity TV. –Elizabeth Jensen

Zucker to Be in Spotlight When Comcast-NBCU Deal is Announced

All eyes will be on NBC Universal chief executive Jeff Zucker, whose future with the company “will be cemented” when the Comcast-NBCU deal is announced, most likely on Thursday, the New York Times reports. Zucker will get a new long-term…

Nielsen to Accelerate Rollout of Internet Meter Addition to National Sample

Nielsen is bowing to client demands and will speed up its single source measurement plan, B&C reports. The new plan calls for Nielsen to complete the addition of Internet viewing measurement to its national people meter sample by Aug. 31,…

T Bone Burnett to Try TV for Epix

Grammy-winning producer, musician and songwriter T Bone Burnett will next try television, signing on to an Epix pilot, reports The Hollywood Reporter. He will be an executive producer and exec musical producer of the one-hour drama "Tough Trade," which the…

Simon Cowell’s New ‘X Factor’ Headed to Vegas

Simon Cowell told the British version of GQ magazine that he hopes to find a permanent home for his “The X Factor" talent show in Las Vegas, Reuters reports. The new version of the show would be a global pay-per-view…