Many feel the Comcast/NBC merger is a bad idea for public access to the free flow of information. For example the following has been extracted from The CAP Times on line. More on the Comcast merger here
Some key quotes taken from the article:

"We are writing to express our opposition to Comcast Corp.'s acquisition of NBC Universal. If this deal is approved, it would further consolidate a U.S. media industry that is already controlled by a handful of corporate conglomerates. Localism, diversity, and competition in today's media, all of which are severely weak, would be nearly lost. At a time when it is critically important for the public to be able to access independent sources of information, we believe this acquisition should not go forward and urge you to reject it."

The following is from our friends at the Media Access Project. I blogged about this the other day:

Media Access Project (MAP) has been a strong voice of opposition to Comcast's
attempt to acquire NBC Universal, and has been busy providing guidance to
organizations and policymakers on the complex legal ramifications of the
proposed deal.

This merger would be the most prominent example of vertical integration in the
broadband era - it would lead to the union of the nation's largest cable TV
operator and Internet service provider with a major content provider.

The acquisition would be a dangerous deal for all Americans. At the local level,
it would cause an unacceptable level of consolidation in media ownership and
advertising in 11 of the biggest media markets around the country - including
San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, and other cities.

The deal would also:

Yes, that is exactly what is going on at WCCA TV.

Thanks to Tracy for the edit and Isabella for helping create the music.

Every year Americans spend $14 Billion on Valentine’s Day.

In one day, we will spend what slave traders worldwide will profit over 6 months.

WE THINK ONE DAY CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING...

Diana's Love Story:
At 12, Diana attempted suicide. She was a victim of child sex slavery and the nightmare of her life had become too much. Today she loves life. She has been reintegrated after living in our safehome. Diana has a roommate (another girl from the Round Home) they both work at the same job and share an apartment. Read her love story... an more Here at 146's website

In today Worcester Telegram announces a huge loss for the people of EAST BROOKFIELD .

The Board of Selectmen last night signed a five-year cable TV contract renewal with Charter Communications, but the town will remain one of a few in the area not to provide local cable TV programming.

“We’re camera shy,” quipped Selectman Lawrence S. Gordon and Selectman Joseph R. Fish would have too much trouble trying to find someone to run the equipment.

Link to Telegram article

My Monday Email is full of cable related news.

FIrst of all, let's not forget that is also not just about access to news and information it is about WHO is communicating that news and information. That is why PUBLIC ACCESS is important because you decide what news is and the programming on the p ubilc access reflects your interest not the interest of a Verizon or Cablevision or a Comcast or a Charter, etc.

This spit-taking quote is ludicrous. "What was once a cable monopoly, Cablevision conceded to the court, "has been replaced by vibrant competition." Rather than being an MVPD bottleneck, Cablevision suggested, the market has been reshaped into a wide-necked vase in which all flowers can bloom."

As a colleague of mine, Chuck Sherwood, suggested, be reminded Cablevision and the few corporations who own the networks and cable companies also own those flowers.

Comcast's Promises Won't Help Consumers
Public Opposition to Comcast Takeover of NBC Is Growing.

The amount of BS these companies spew in order to sway public policy.

"Comcast's reputation for customer service ranks about one rung above Enron and Blackwater. The idea that it is magically going to be consumer friendly after it gets bigger doesn't pass the laugh test. Regulators at FCC and the Department of Justice should cut through the rhetoric and put a spotlight on the real problems with this kind of unprecedented media consolidation." Free Press Executive Director Josh Silver

Read more and scroll links fro further information.