NBC Universal

Visit our Filed page for categories. To browse by specific topic, see our Inside page. For a list of companies covered on this site, visit our Companies page.

 

Comcast wins FCC approval to take over NBC

The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday gave Comcast Corp., the country’s largest cable company, the green light to take over NBC Universal, home of the NBC television network.

Four of the commission’s five members voted to let Comcast buy a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from General Electric Co. for $13.8 billion in cash and assets. Michael Copps, one of the commission’s three Democrats and an opponent of media consolidation, voted against the deal. Get the full story »

FCC chief sets conditions for Comcast, NBC deal

The head of the Federal Communications Commission is laying out regulatory conditions to ensure that cable giant Comcast Corp. cannot stifle video competition once it takes control of NBC Universal.

The conditions are intended to guarantee that existing subscription television services and new online video services can still get access to NBC content. Get the full story »

Franken asks Justice to look at Comcast/NBC deal

Sen. Al Franken, a critic of Comcast Corp.’s proposed deal for control of NBC Universal, asked the Justice Department Monday to investigate whether the giant cable company had engaged in “illegal collaboration” concerning its intended target.

Franken (D-Minn.) said that on Sept. 26 Comcast had named its chief operating officer, Steve Burke, as the prospective chief executive of NBC Universal. Last week, Comcast named several executives who would hold top jobs at NBC Universal after the cable company took control of the broadcaster and movie studio from General Electric Co. Get the full story »

Comcast picks team to run NBC after takeover

Comcast Corp. on Thursday named several executives who will hold top jobs at NBC Universal after the cable company takes control of the broadcaster and movie studio.

Former Showtime President Bob Greenblatt will be chairman of NBC Entertainment, responsible for prime time and late night programming, business affairs and NBC Universal Media studios. Get the full story »

In race with Netflix, Hulu cuts price to $7.99

Internet video company Hulu slashed the price of its subscription service Hulu Plus, which made its official debut Wednesday. Hulu knocked down the monthly cost to $7.99 from the preview price of $9.99. Users who subscribed to the preview service, which was available in June, will receive a credit for the price difference, the company said. Get the full story »

NBC shakes up ‘30 Rock’ and Thursday night

NBC will make Thursday an all-comedy night and move its two “Law & Order” dramas as part of a midseason shake-up.

The network announced Monday that it is shifting “30 Rock” and the freshman series “Outsourced” to the final hour of prime time starting Jan. 20. The rest of the night’s lineup, starting at 8 p.m. ET, will include “Community,” newcomer “Perfect Couples,” “The Office” and returning series “Parks and Recreation.” Get the full story »

Hulu’s CEO says revenue to more than double

Popular U.S. Web video service Hulu should more than double revenue this year to $240 million, its chief executive said on Wednesday, a growth projection likely to create more buzz about a potential public offering. Get the full story »

Disney, NBC latest to block shows from Google TV

Three of the biggest U.S. television broadcasters have blocked their shows from Google Inc.’s new Web TV service, throwing a wrench into the company’s plans to expand from computers to the living room.

Spokespeople from Walt Disney Co. and NBC Universal confirmed Thursday that they blocked access to its broadcast TV shows from Google TV. Disney owns network and cable TV businesses ABC and ESPN. Get the full story »

NBC’s Zucker to leave once Comcast deal complete

From The New York Times | Jeff Zucker, the chief executive of NBC Universal, announced Friday that he plans to leave the network after Comcast’s deal to take over NBC is complete.

Netflix strikes deal to stream NBC shows

Online movie rental company Netflix Inc. and NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution have expanded their license deal that covers TV shows subscribers can watch instantly by streaming them online, the companies said Friday. Financial terms of the multiyear deal were not disclosed. Get the full story »

NBC Universal CEO unlikely to join Apple Rentals

NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker said on Wednesday his company is not likely to follow rivals to make its TV shows available for Apple Inc.’s new 99-cent rental service unveiled earlier this month. Get the full story »

Comcast 2Q profit down on NBC-related expenses

Comcast Corp., the No. 1 U.S. cable operator, reported a nearly 9 percent decline in quarterly profit as it absorbed expenses related to its highly anticipated acquisition of NBC Universal.

While costs associated with the deal, including professional fees, undercut the cable company’s overall profit, its revenue rose a higher-than-expected 6 percent as it continued to add Internet and telephone customers. Get the full story »

Comcast/NBC merger foes have their say

From Broadcasting & Cable | In  public hearing Tuesday in  Chicago, rival cable operators, an independent programmer and a former FCC commissioner lined up to oppose the proposed merger of Comcast and NBC Universal.

FCC to restart review of Comcast/NBC deal

The Federal Communications Commission has restarted its review of Comcast’s plan to take control of NBC Universal after the companies provided  additional details about their businesses.

Comcast Corp. is seeking FCC and Justice Department approval to acquire a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from General Electric Co. Federal regulators are expected to approve the deal with conditions. Get the full story »

Indies change stance, OK Comcast-NBC deal

Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal has reached an agreement with the  Independent Film & Television Alliance over their proposed merger, which is being reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission and  Justice Department.

The alliance reversed its opposition to the merger on the grounds it would stifle creativity in exchange for a promise that Comcast and NBC would allocate $6 million over four years to a development fund for independent productions.