FCC Approves Comcast-NBC Universal Deal, As Expected

The FCC today approved the Comcast-NBC Universal merger, "smoothing the way for the deal to close by the end of January." The U.S. Justice Department also is expected to approve the deal today, "with conditions." Comcast "will not formally gain control of NBC Universal until after the end of the company's next pay cycle, which is Jan. 28." The FCC voted 4-1 to approve the deal. Senior Commissioner Michael Copps, the lone dissenter, said the deal "confers too much power in one company's hands" (NYTIMES.com, 1/18).