Concessions sought from Comcast in NBC acquisition

Owners of television stations carrying ABC, CBS and Fox programming will seek concessions from Comcast Corp. before the largest U.S. cable company wins approval to take over rival network NBC.

If Comcast gives NBC stations “something I can’t get or afford, that puts me at a disadvantage,” said Brian Brady, chairman of the Fox stations’ affiliate board. ABC, CBS and Fox stations “have genuine concerns about being at a competitive disadvantage,” Brady said Wednesday.

The stations want Comcast to accept “certain regulatory conditions” on fair treatment, Tim Busch, chairman of the CBS Television Network Affiliates Assn., said in a March 29 letter to members.

Comcast’s proposed takeover of NBC Universal from General Electric Co., forming a $28-billion venture, is being reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission and Justice Department, which could set conditions before approving the deal. The transaction would give Comcast control of the NBC network, NBC TV stations, cable channels and a movie studio.

Comcast is in talks with affiliates of the networks and other parties and “appreciates the constructive way in which they are approaching the discussions,” said Sena Fitzmaurice, a spokeswoman for the company.

Brady, chief executive of closely held Northwest Broadcasting Inc. in Okemos, Mich., declined to say when the station owners would meet with Comcast, or what conditions they would seek.

Comcast said when the deal was announced on Dec. 3 that it would increase local and children’s programming and offer rivals access to NBC television stations on fair terms.