Comcast Roundup: Calls critics of NBC deal ‘self serving,’ @ComcastCares leaves and More

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• LA Times reports that Comcast told the FCC that critics of its deal of NBC are ‘self-serving.’
• The New York Post reports that in a court filing Comcast calls itself the fourth largest media company in terms of advertising and affiliate revenue if the NBC deal would go through.
• Variety reports on the filing saying that Comcast portrays its acquisition of NBC as an opportunity to stimulate, not stifle, competition.

Below, the man behind @ComcastCares is leaving, Google bumps its lobbying budget to fight on net neutrality and more.

• Business Week reports on the persistent claim that Comcast may have to sell of NBC TV stations or agree to an independent arbitration settle pricing disputes if the cable giant wants its deal to meet regulatory approval.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• Frank Eliason, the noted @ComcastCares blogger, announces he’s leaving the company for a new opportunity. (Expect more on this from Technically Philly.)
• The Washington Post reports that the FCC has criticized the speed with which broadband has been deployed nationally, a claim that has no surprise drawn the ire of telecommunications companies like Comcast.
• Light Reading reports that Comcast is making a national push to be a ‘major player in the enterprise and mobile backhaul markets.” H/T Philly Tech News

GIVE A GLANCE

• Bloomberg News reports on a 50 percent bump in Google’s lobbying budget in the first half of 2010, largely due to its battle on net neutrality issues with Comcast and other ISPs.
• USA Today reports on a split among fans for the next choice to be the manager of the Cubs baseball franchise, with the local Comcast Sports Net website poll apparently playing a heavy roll.
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast is going to add the Ski Channel to its On Demand programming — finally.

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