He also asked the FCC to require arbitration mechanisms similar to those currently used for regional sports networks to ensure Comcast can’t deny programming to other cable, satellite or online television providers.
Additionally, Markey asked the FCC to ensure independent news programmers such as Bloomberg are placed in the same programming tier as news stations owned by Comcast, which could eventually include MSNBC and CNBC, to ensure fair competition in that market.
“As proposed, the new Comcast-NBCU entity would have the ability to harm independent networks, particularly those that compete against Comcast-owned channels, by refusing to carry them on reasonable terms or by affording them channel placement that seriously impedes their ability to attract an audience,” Markey said.
Comcast declined to respond to the letter.