Comcast Roundup: Not investing in right-wing network, no Olympic channel and More

DEFINITE READS

• The Washington Post reports that while other telecommunications company had ramped up their Q1 lobbying spending, mostly around net neutrality issues, Comcast’s $3.07 million figure dropped from Q4 2009 where it reached a $3.48 around the NBC merger. It’s still more than the $2.76 million from last year.
• The company’s corporate blog quickly quells rumors that had surfaced about the company’s investment in a new right-leaning network called the RightNetwork. However, the Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast-Spectacor Chairman and Managing Partner Ed Snider is an investor in the RightNetwork, which will launch a conservative TV, Web and mobile network this summer.

Below, Sen. Al Franken still hates the NBC deal, free Wi-Fi and more.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• The Post also reports that the FCC is moving on the portion of its national broadband plan proposal that calls for broadening the language around the universal services fund, which comes in contrast to fears that a recent appeals court case against Comcast put FCC authority in limbo.
• Additionally, the Post reports that Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken continued his outspoken criticism of the NBC acquisition at a hearing on the closing of the prison at Guantanamo Bay.
• The LA Times reports that Comcast is no longer working with the U.S. Olympic Committee on a controversial Olympics channel that drew criticism for not including the International Olympic governing body in deliberations. H/T Philly Tech News

GIVE A GLANCE

• The company’s blog notes that this Saturday will be its ninth annual Comcast Cares Day, in which more than 60,000 of its employees will do acts of volunteerism and that its customers can get free Wi-Fi internet in some parts of the country.