More Distribution Opportunities For Indie Networks?

One possible benefit of a Comcast-NBCU deal may be increased fairly negitiated distribution on Comcast cable systems. As part of the effort to secure regulatory approval, Comcast will likely want to both state and act on commitments to negotiate distribution for neew and remaining independnet networks without an eqity quid-pro-quo echange.

When much of the regulatory scrutiny will focus on the aggregated power of content creation and distribution and how the proposed JV will act in the marketplace, a promise and commitment to launch new networks through tough, but fair, negiotiations can be a key element of government approval.