WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger of Comcast Corporation and NBC Universal:

“As presently described, I am very disappointed that the consumer protections were not stronger. Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to issues of consumer choice and cost. When communications companies swell to include both content and distribution, we have a responsibility to be sure consumers are not left with lesser programming and higher rates. I recognize that a great deal of work went into this review because the scope and reach of this transaction are so vast. Going forward, we will need to make certain that Comcast and NBC follow through on their commitments to quality news and children’s programming and also protect the development of online video competition. I wish the FCC had made an effort to hold down consumer cable rates in this transaction, because rates that rise as much as three times the rate of inflation deserve a close look. I hope that competitors will provide new pressure on these rates and bring consumers more choices as the video market continues to evolve, but I intend to have the committee keep a close watch on this issue going forward.”

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