Comcast and Time Warner have made an attempt to merge companies and create the largest cable service provider in the United States. Currently Time Warner is #1 and Time Warner is #2. The California Public Utilities commission recently put the decision to allow the merger on hold due to a public outcry over the deal. In a letter sent to subscribers Time Warner CEO Robert D. Marcus said, “Above all, this merger will benefit you, our customers. Our two companies have been behind many of the innovative services that you enjoy every day—digital cable TV, high-speed Internet, DVRs, Video On Demand and WiFi in the home and on-the-go—to name just a few.” But these innovations happened because of the competition between the two companies. If they join together competition will be stifled and consumer prices will rise as the need for innovative ideas disappear. Moreover, the idea of a fair and equal Internet (Net Neutrality) recently agreed to by the FCC, will take a huge hit.
Prices have already started to rise. The Federal Communications Commission reported that cable television bills nationwide jumped by 5.8 percent in the one-year period through last July. In order to improve their profit margins cable companies have cut money for customer service which is why Comcast and Time Warner have the poorest customer service ratings of all companies regardless of sector. They have also turned to bundling which means in order to get the shows a consumer wants, they are forced because of bundling, to pay for shows they are not interested in. Comcast and Time Warner have failed to explain to the public how their merger would solve these problems. In fact, without competition prices will continue to rise and customer service will suffer further.
The corporate raiders have performed as expected. They have no interest in helping the country as a whole. The only goal they have is to increase shareholder value. In the aftermath of the inane decision by the Supreme Court in the Citizen’s United case, congress once again has shown it is for sale and Comcast and Time Warner are buying. They have spent money on politicians from both parties. Here's a list:
Of course the cable companies expect something for their contribution. Something like overturning the FCC decision on Net Neutrality or allowing the merger between Comcast and Time Warner to go ahead. This despite the fact that a merger between the two would violate every law on the books regarding monopolies. Monopoly laws are not over regulation of business, they are needed safeguards that protect Americans from the greed that corporate America has engaged in. All one needs to do is look at the financial meltdown of 2008 to see the greed and disdain corporations have for the law and the American people.
Despite monopoly laws Comcast and Time Warner continue to try and circumvent the system in other ways. Sometimes in dastardly ways. This from Fight for the Future.
This morning, the New York times revealed that Comcast has been calling in favors from the many politicians, think tanks, and organizations that they “generously” donate to. Basically they’re bribing politicians and groups to send letters to Congress and the FCC in favor of Comcast’s takeover of Time Warner Cable. It even looks like they straight up wrote Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel’s letter for him.
In addition, a shadowy Koch funded group sent emails to congress supposedly from regular Americans railing against the FCC Net Neutrality ruling. It turns out many of the people signing the emails had there identities stolen and had not sent the emails.
It appears that Comcast and Time Warner are willing to do anything to violate the law in order to reach their goals despite it’s terrible effect on consumers. Contact your congress person and tell them to oppose the Comcast Time Warner merger. If we continue to let the corporate elite’s determine our financial future we are destined to lose the middle class and become a nation of minimum wage workers. Tell politicians to follow the laws of our country and give the power back to the people instead of the greedy corporations.
Resources:
https://www.fightforthefuture.org/
http://www.savetheinternet.com/...
http://stopmegacomcast.com/