FCC CHAIRMAN TO VOTE FOR COMCAST-NBC MERGER — IF…

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said Thursday that he is likely to vote in favor of Comcast Corp.’s proposed merger with NBC Universal provided that it agrees to a package of conditions. In particular, Genachowski insists that Comcast not be allowed to prevent the online availability of NBC and Comcast-produced programs. For example, one of Genachowski’s conditions is that Comcast be required to provide its programs to any website that its principal rival networks may be feeding — such as Hulu, Netflix, or Google TV. In its report about Genachowski’s conditions, the Los Angeles Times commented today: “Although it is possible that the FCC could vote against Comcast, usually when the FCC chairman signs off, a majority will follow in favor of the decision.”