It wasn’t long before the deal was done. NBC has continuously placed last in network ratings, in large part because of a hefty risk. Now, the once powerful, dignified company has lost some luster. Earlier today, General Electric has agreed to sell NBC Universal to the cable giant Comcast, who will have majority stake in the new entity, Comcast Entertainment. This will all be finalized barring the deal passes regulatory review by federal agencies.
Comcast will add to its collection of cable channels with a film studio and theme park to boot. And, in effect, they may soon be swimming in a swath of cash. Many of its original and new channels bring in substantial amounts of revenue. Comcast not only poses a threat now to fellow cable giants, but also the conglomerates it can go toe to toe with.
Think about this: Comcast already reaches 27 million homes. With NBC in its grip, it will now reach almost double at 48 million. Cable was and still is its forte. Add Internet service and broadcasting, and what do you have? You have the production AND distribution of both news AND entertainment content.
Just imagine if you couldn’t watch your favorite show because you don’t have Comcast. If you had to pay to watch Hulu. If you had to pay more as a Comcast customer because Comcast charges other cable companies to more to have its content.
Sooner or later, now matter what media-related situation you’re in, Comcast could always be in the picture. Just imagine.
