Comcast Roundup: FCC defends right to regulate, new iPad device and More

DEFINITE READS

• Variety editorializes that Comcast has much to learn about the content world that NBC ownership would drag them into, but “is looking better all the time.”
• The Hill reports that nearly the entire Pennsylvania Congressional delegation supports the Comcast-NBC deal.
• The Inquirer’s Joe DiStefano reports on the ‘chaos’ that analysts predict will come from the FCC’s plan to regulate broadband Internet services, plans to defend so-called ‘net neutrality’ policies.
• The Washington Post reports that cable stocks took a beating because of it — and that the FCC has gone on something of a campaign to assert it does still have authority over cable broadband policy despite a recent appeals court that went in Comcast’s favor.
• With all humility, Technically Philly has a lengthy Q&A with Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen on the company’s relationship with Philadelphia and his views on the region.

After the jump, Comcast and Brian Roberts are everywhere at the 2010 Cable Show and more.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• The Associated Press reports that NBC Universal will sell one of its three Los Angeles stations, ahead of Comcast facing regulatory approval.
• paidContent reports that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts called not moving content early enough a major regret.
• The London Free Press of Canada reports on the shuttering of “gem” IT company TVWorks, which is owned by Comcast, to bring the work to Philadelphia and California. This is the local angle on a previously reported story.
• The Los Angeles Times reports that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said people “love to hate” the cable industry, despite the impact it’s had on society.

GIVE A GLANCE

• The AP reports that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts pledged he would not interfere in the editorial decisions of NBC.
• The AP also reports that Comcast will start carrying the new ESPN 3D channel starting in June.
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast is launching 50 new HD channels on its systems in parts of North, West and northwest Philadelphia.
• At the 2010 industry Cable Show in Los Angeles (after making a big splash last year), Comcast and CEO Brian Roberts unveiled a remote cable box device for the iPad, to much fanfare. Watch Roberts introduce it below. See other Comcast sessions here and watch a full-length conversation with Roberts at the Cable Show by way of the Comcast company blog here.

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• Philly Tech News compared Comcast at the Cable Show to other industry tech events.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST