Don't worry, Comcast will not be allowed to use the vast media empire that is NBC to stick it to competitors.  The FCC cleared the way for the cable giant to take over NBC, with many caveats that require the cable giant to continue offering the peacock's programming to cable and satellite providers throughout the land. The real question is what does this hold for the future of NBC's programming slate?  No doubt, Comcast did not make this purchase with the intent of owning a last-in-line network.  We can only hope for the best.

The FCC approved the acquisition 4 to 1.  To be clear on the strategy Comcast is using here, they purchased a 51% stake in NBC/Universal's stock - giving them control, but not complete ownership.  All told, the purchase cost Comcast $13.8 Billion Dollars. The sale does have to be approved by the Department of Justice, but it is expected to pass.  The sale has had a few high profile opponents, including Democratic Senator Al Franken who made a grim forecast in the wake of the FCC approval. “What we see today is an effort by the FCC to appease the very companies it’s charged with regulating. With approval of this merger, the FCC has given a single media conglomerate unprecedented control over the flow of information in America.”

Among the restrictions placed on Comcast was the requirement that they maintain a consistent pricing for their programming regardless of the venue, meaning Hulu and their ilk can purchase NBC programming at the same rate as DirecTV and Time Warner, for instance.