The Morning Fix: Comcast-NBC Universal special edition!
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After the coffee, before figuring out what the next big deal will be.
It’s done! Comcast announced its plan to take majority control of General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal in a deal valued at $30 billion. The combination marries the nation’s largest cable and broadband operator with a content giant whose assets include 26 television stations, broadcast networks NBC and Telemundo, and a host of cable channels including MSNBC, CNBC, USA Bravo and Syfy. Early-morning analysis from the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today, Variety, Hollywood Reporter and the Wrap.
The man to watch. Steve Burke, Comcast Corp.’s chief operating officer, will have a host of new assets to oversee as a result of the cable giant’s takeover of NBC Universal. The son of legendary Capital Cities/ABC executive Dan Burke, Steve keeps a low profile but has risen far very fast. Being an avid runner probably doesn’t hurt. A look at Burke from the Los Angeles Times and Forbes.
Behind the scenes. Want to know how this big deal all came together? The New York Times has the back-story of Comcast’s courtship of NBC Universal. Everything from their code names to the secret meetings that got the ball rolling.
Washington watch. While on the surface Comcast’s deal for NBC Universal doesn’t violate any huge regulations, the combination will undergo heavy scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators and media watchdogs. A look at what is in store and Comcast’s plans to get the deal through from the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and Broadcasting & Cable.
Tell us what you really think. The Wrap’s Joe Adalian looks at what Comcast needs to do to save NBC’s prime time. While Comcast has said NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker is staying on in the new entity, Adalian says it may be time to say goodbye to Mr. Z, or ‘at least ban him’ from having anything to do with the network. Ouch.
In other news (wait, there’s other news?)
Oops. NBC’s Matt Lauer forgets to mention White House party crashers are trying to get on a Bravo show during interview with duo. Bravo is owned by, yes, NBC. -- New York Times.
Sandra Bullock is having a smashing year. -- The Daily Beast.
Sundance selections are announced. -- Variety
Tiger Woods: Fair game or no? -- USA Today.
Inside the Los Angeles Times: Universal Studios to tap Fox’s Debbie Liebling as new boss. Beyonce scores big in Grammy nominations. ABC says no to Adam Lambert.
-- Joe Flint