Comcast Completes Takeover of NBC Universal

The cable guys are now running NBC. Comcast closed on its purchase of a majority of NBC Universal from General Electric late Friday after agreeing to strict government-imposed rules intended to protect online video services like Hulu and Netflix.

Among Comcast's first actions was eliminating the peacock from the NBC logo and decreeing that there would no longer be a space “NBC” and “Universal.” “NBCUniversal” is supposed to symbolize unity. Or something.

Apparently no one told NBC.com about that. It was still proudly displaying the peacock at 11:30 am Eastern time today.

Consumer groups, competitors and several state and federal agencies had voiced trepidation about the deal, fearing that Comcast would tie up top shows, making them available only on its networks and to its cable customers.

Not that NBC Universal has all that many top shows, aside from “The Office” and “30 Rock.” It's currently Number Four in a four-network universe. Even its once highly-rated evening news now amounts to little more than a series of promotional announcements for other shows.

The restrictions imposed by the government after 13 months of scrutiny require Comcast to make the full suite of NBC Universal control available to online competitors on terms comparable to those agreed to by more established rivals such as Dish Network and DirectTV, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Comcast also gives up any role in making decisions about Hulu, the online video company that it owns along with several other entertainment giants.

The rules are intended to create the mythical but still oft-sought “level playing field” that's intended to ensure that innovative newcomers are not squashed by powerful incumbents.