NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:       News Media contact:
December 3, 2009 Jennifer Schneider at (202) 418-2000
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER COPPS 
ON THE COMCAST/GENERAL ELECTRIC ANNOUNCEMENT
“Some may have thought the era of media consolidation—fewer huge companies 
controlling more of the nation’s media assets—was behind us.  This transaction proves those 
analysts wrong.  The push to combine content and distribution continues and, as the economy 
recovers, we will see more proposed media industry combinations.
“While I look at each proposed transaction on its individual merits, my long-standing 
skepticism about the harms imposed by so few controlling so much persists.  And this particular 
transaction raises a multitude of important questions: What is its impact on the prices consumers 
will pay?  Would the combination mean more newsrooms (but perhaps fewer reporters) 
controlled by one entity? How would the transaction affect minorities and diversity on the 
airwaves?  Would this merger lead to fewer voices on both traditional and new media?  Does the 
nature of the transaction make even more urgent the need for FCC network neutrality rules?  
What about the future of competition in the several markets these companies serve?  The list of 
questions and consequences goes on.  Clearly this proposal requires close and comprehensive 
Commission review.  The lodestar for this review must be the public interest.
“I look forward to broad stakeholder reaction to today’s announcement—and, indeed, 
every citizen has a stake here.  I am anxious to hear more from the parties to the deal about how 
they believe the proposed transaction, as presently constructed, advances the public interest.  It 
will come as no news to them that they face a very steep climb with me.”  
- FCC -