Comcast is fighting its way through a battle to acquire NBC and related assets (including MSNBC) without being deemed a monopoly (which they are, and should be barred from owning NBC). For a preview of how dangerous it is to have one corporation control access to the Internet and cable TV, have a look at their new joint venture: RightNetwork.
Check out the slick ads, the Kelsey Grammer intro, and please have a look at their debut reality series called "Running".
What isn't apparent at first blush becomes apparent while watching the promo. They call it a reality show, but it's really just a big teabagger campaign ad wrapped up in a half-hour broadcast and packaged for the web, mobile and cable broadcast.
They have a slick little "lookbook" you can download (PDF) for an overview of what they're about. [Updated 4/18: They pulled theirs down, but I had an archive version, which is now linked in its place] Nice piece of marketing literature. They're marketing themselves as the "anywhere, anytime" network for "engaged people".
On television, through partners including Comcast, RightNetwork delivers programming on demand that enables our audience to watch what they want, when they want. Everything Right, at the click of a remote. the lineup focuses on entertainment with pro-America, pro-business, pro-military sensibilities — compelling content that inspires action, invites a response, and influences the national conversation.
There's this quote from Ed Snider, Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor:
We’re creating a welcome place for millions and millions of Americans who’ve been looking for an entertainment network and media channel that reflects their point-of-view. Rightnetwork will be the perfect platform to entertain, inform and Connect with the American majority about what’s right in the world.
When they launch, they'll have lots of content, since they've been embedded with the Tea Party Express for its tour across the country. The YouTube channel has video from key tea party locations.
They don't even try to hide it anymore. It's just outright, blatant partisanship and propaganda, brought to you by Comcast and the US Chamber of Commerce.
UPDATE: A list of what Comcast will acquire when the NBC buy is complete (I compiled it last year). Also, there is an active petition online to block the Comcast/NBC merger here. Finally, the FCC has just extended the comment period as they seek more information.
(h/t The Political Carnival)
