Pro-net neutrality activists (photo: Free Press)
Covering the pro–net neutrality ruling by the DC Court of Appeals, Mark Karlin of Truthout (6/15/16) cited FAIR’s criticism of the Comcast media empire:
Comcast is now investing not just in providing internet services, but in internet content. This has significant implications in how news is framed, considering that the company also owns NBC (and MSNBC, which it is migrating from being a semi-progressive channel to being a clearly centrist channel). On June 11, Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) ran an article identifying the irony: “Comcast-Funded Website [Vox] Plugs Comcast-Owned TV Show [The Tonight Show] Promoting Comcast-Backed Trade Pact [Trans-Pacific Partnership].” This is an example of the vertical media consolidation that even the FCC “common carrier” regulations cannot prevent. We can expect more corporate domination of the internet—as a part of media consolidation strategies—despite the FCC court victory.
This piece was reprinted by RINF Alternative News with permission from FAIR.