Congresswoman Waters Participates in Chicago Field Hearing on Comcast-NBC Merger

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) continued to ask tough questions about the impact of the merger of Comcast and NBC Universal while participating in a Congressional field hearing today.  The hearing, entitled "Comcast and NBC Universal: Who Benefits?", was held by the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet at the Everett Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Congresswoman Waters was named an honorary member of the Subcommittee for the field hearing, joining Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Subcommittee members Reps. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Steve Buyer (R-IN).

After the hearing Congresswoman Waters said, "I want to thank Chairman Boucher for allowing me to participate in today's hearing, which continues Congress' efforts to thoroughly and publicly discuss what amounts to the largest media merger in U.S. history.  This sort of discussion is essential so everyone can understand what is at stake."
 
"From the beginning of this process, I have made clear my concerns about the track records of both Comcast and NBC when it comes to diversity in front of and behind the camera. Although the diversity plans recently put forth by these companies were good first steps, I sincerely believe that without the concerns raised by myself, some of my colleagues and consumer and media rights groups, they would not exist. We must ensure that Comcast and NBC mean what they say and follow up on their words with action to ensure that minorities and women have a substantial role in programming, management, ownership and advertising. Frankly, we have to be vigilant in our efforts moving forward because these companies' diversity records are totally unacceptable. One only needs to look at the numbers to ascertain that African Americans and other minorities are practically nonexistent in leadership and decision-making roles at Comcast and NBC Universal."

Congresswoman Waters continued, "I have also been concerned with the regulatory process this merger has faced and have called for the Federal Communications Commission to enable great public participation. The FCC has scheduled a public meeting on the merger for next week in Chicago, and I would like the FCC to hold more public hearings around the country so that the American people get a better idea of the size, scope and implications of this merger. Additional Congressional hearings might also be helpful for increasing understanding of the merger's many facets and for preserving competition, creating opportunities, and ensuring consumers will have access to alternative sources of news and entertainment."

Congresswoman Waters has led Congressional efforts to promote public accountability in the Comcast-NBC merger and access to information. She successfully pressured the FCC to extend the public comment period on the merger by 45 days and was joined by 68 of her colleagues in pressing the FCC to conduct public hearings; two FCC Commissioners have since signaled their support for such hearings. Congresswoman Waters also recently hosted the Judiciary Committee, of which she is a senior member, in Los Angeles for the first field hearing to analyze the merger.

Witnesses who participated in today's field hearing included Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr., general counsel, EarthLink, Inc.; Shirley Franklin, executive senior adviser, Alliance for Digital Equality; Will Griffin, president and CEO, Hip Hop On Demand; Paula Madison, executive vice president and chief diversity officer, NBC Universal; and Joseph W. Waz, Jr., senior vice president for external affairs and public policy counsel, Comcast Corporation. Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder and president, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Inc. submitted testimony but was unable to testify.

Comcast chose not to participate in the previous field hearing on the merger held in Los Angeles. 

Testimony from today's witnesses can be read here.

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