Comcast and NBC – One big happy family
It finally happened. Valued at $13.74Bn, Comcast is buying a 51% stake in NBC Universal. (GE will continue to own 49% stake in NBCU) As part of the deal, Comcast owns rights to buy GE’s remaining stake over time.
In its Programming group, Comcast already owns E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS Kids Sprout, TV One and Comcast Sports Group. To this, Comcast will now add cable channels such as USA, Bravo and MSNBC. Comcast will also have more clout in Hollywood with NBCU’s Universal Pictures and NBC TV network and production operations.
This deal is so intricate and complex that it’s going to substantially change the face of media industry. As the Washington Post puts it, Comcast could own more than one out of five television viewing hours.
One facet of the deal that I’m curious to learn more about is how it will effect online video distribution. NBCU is an investor in Hulu.com (alongwith Fox, and Disney) and Comcast owns Fancast.
Fancast, much like Hulu, allows fans instant access to videos of TV Shows, movies, and other content. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has often referred to his commitment to “Anytime Anywhere TV.” But where Fancast has failed and Hulu succeeded is in creating a community and a sense of transparency, goodwill and excellent customer service. What also concerns me is if Hulu and Fancast have the same owner, is that in the best interest of online video distribution? The other closest competitor in this space is TV.com (owned entirely by CBS)
We’ll be watching this space closely.