Erik Brannon, Roger R. Smith / Published - 21 Dec 09

With the addition of 51% of NBCU, Comcast will become a major force in content creation and distribution businesses with strong growth prospects. Comcast's ability to fund this acquisition entirely from its internal cash flow demonstrates the enormous financial strengths of its traditional cable business. Cable networks now supply 65% of the total earnings of the major media companies, as they remain strong in the face of slumping profits from nearly every other media sector. GMI believes Comcast has, with this deal, created a strong voice for itself on every key issue facing the media industry as it responds to both the threats and opportunities of the internet.