FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN April 7, 2016
The Honorable Jeff Merkley
United States Senate
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Merkley:
Thank you for your letter regarding Charter Communications' proposed merger with
Time Warner Cable and acquisition of Advance/Newhouse Partnership, the parent of Bright
House Networks. I appreciate hearing your views.
Consistent with our rules, the Commission will evaluate whether these proposed
transactions are in the public interest. Our analysis on any transaction is always robust and takes
several factors into account, including the issues you raise in your letter. As you mention in your
letter, not only do we assess whether we can appropriately remedy any harms that may arise
from the transaction, we also place great emphasis on the benefits that the transaction will confer
on American consumers. While I am unable to discuss the merits of this particular proceeding, I
can assure you that the Commission is conducting an open and transparent process as required by
FCC rules and regulations. After developing a full and complete record, we hope to conclude
our review as quickly as possible.
Again, thank you for your interest in this matter. Your letter will be made part of the
official record of the proceeding.
SincerelY,_!/ /
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Tom Wheeler