Editing Comcast (section)

===Largest U.S. cable provider (2001–present)===
[[File:AT&T Comcast logo.svg|thumb|right|Proposed merger name logo, 2001]]
[[File:Comcast logo 2000.svg|thumb|right|Comcast logo introduced on December 12, 1999; used from 2000 until 2007.]]
[[File:Comcast logo 2006.svg|thumb|right|Comcast's second logo from 2007 until 2013.]]

In 2001, Comcast announced it would acquire the assets of the largest cable television operator at the time, [[AT&T Broadband]], for $44.5 billion.<ref name="AT&T-Dec-2001-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://edgar.secdatabase.com/86/89882201501011/filing-main.htm
 | title      = AT&T, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 21, 2001
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref> The proposed name for the merged company was "AT&T Comcast", but the companies ultimately decided to keep only the Comcast name, with the company and new assets reincorporated in Pennsylvania on December 7, 2001. On November 18, 2002, Comcast officially acquired all assets of AT&T Broadband, thus making Comcast the largest cable television company in the United States with over 22 million subscribers.<ref name="AT&T-Dec-2001-8-K"/><ref name="AT&T-Nov-2002-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2646/89882202001405/filing-main.htm
 | title      = AT&T, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Nov 19, 2002
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref> This spurred the start of Comcast Advertising Sales (using AT&T's groundwork) which would later be renamed [[Comcast Spotlight]] and now effectv, A Comcast Company. As part of this acquisition, Comcast also acquired the National Digital Television Center in Centennial, [[Colorado]] as a wholly owned subsidiary, now known as the ''Comcast Media Center''. In 2003, Comcast became one of the original investors in [[Golf Channel|The Golf Channel]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/12/business/company-news-comcast-buys-tribune-s-stake-in-golf-channel.html|title=Company News; Comcast Buys Tribune's Stake in Golf Channel|work=The New York Times|date=December 12, 2003 |agency=Bloomberg News|access-date=2018-10-23|language=en |url-access=subscription }}</ref> After Excite@Home went bankrupt in October 2001, Comcast took over providing internet directly to consumers in January 2002.<ref name="@HomeMerge">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/04/business/technology-comcast-copes-with-internet-problems.html|title=Technology; Comcast Copes With Internet Problems|author=Matt Richtel|date=January 4, 2002|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref>

On February 11, 2004, Comcast announced a $54&nbsp;billion bid for Disney, including taking on $12&nbsp;billion of Disney's debt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2004/02/11/news/companies/comcast_disney/|title=Comcast makes $54B bid for Disney - Feb. 18, 2004|website=money.cnn.com|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref> The deal would have made Comcast the largest [[media conglomerate]] in the world.<ref name="Comcast-Corp-Feb-2004-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2758/95010304000205/filing-main.htm
 | title      = Comcast Corp, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Feb 11, 2004
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 | last       = La
 | first      = Paul R.
 | url        = https://money.cnn.com/2004/02/11/news/companies/comcast_disney/
 | title      = Comcast makes $54B bid for Disney – Feb. 18, 2004
 | publisher  = CNN
 | date       = February 18, 2004
 | access-date = February 25, 2010
 }}</ref> However, after rejection by Disney and uncertain response from investors, the bid was abandoned in April.<ref name="Comcast-Corp-Apr-2004-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://edgar.secdatabase.com/138/95010304000584/filing-main.htm
 | title      = Comcast Corp, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Apr 28, 2004
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref> In 2004, Comcast sold its QVC shares to [[Liberty Media]] for $7.9 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/2231481/Comcast+Selling+QVC+for+79B.htm|title=Comcast Selling QVC for $7.9B|author=Michael Singer|date=July 3, 2003|publisher=Internet News|access-date=February 16, 2014}}</ref>

On April 8, 2005, a partnership led by Comcast and [[Sony Pictures Entertainment]] finalized a deal to acquire [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer|MGM]] and its affiliate studio, [[United Artists]], and created an additional outlet to carry MGM/UA's material for cable and Internet distribution.<ref name="Sony-Sep-2004-6-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://edgar.secdatabase.com/496/119163804001658/filing-main.htm
 | title      = Sony, Form 6-K, Filing Date Sep 27, 2004
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref><ref name="Sony-Apr-2005-6-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://edgar.secdatabase.com/785/119163805000614/filing-main.htm
 | title      = Sony, Form 6-K, Filing Date Apr 11, 2005
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref> On October 31, 2005, Comcast officially announced that it had acquired [[Susquehanna Communications]], a [[South Central Pennsylvania]]-based cable television and broadband services provider and unit of the former [[Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff]] company, for $775 million cash.<ref name="Susquehanna-Media-Nov-2005-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://pdf.secdatabase.com/972/0000950144-05-010959.pdf
 | title      = Susquehanna Media, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Nov 1, 2005
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref><ref name="Comcast-Feb-2006-10-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://pdf.secdatabase.com/409/0001193125-06-036698.pdf
 | title      = Comcast, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Feb 22, 2006
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref> Comcast previously owned approximately 30% of Susquehanna Communications through its affiliate company, [[Gerry Lenfest|Lenfest]].<ref name="Susquehanna-Media-Nov-2005-8-K"/> In December 2005, Comcast announced the creation of [[Comcast Interactive Media]], a new division focused on online media.

In July 2006, Comcast purchased the Seattle-based software company thePlatform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Comcast-buys-Seattle-s-thePlatform-1207391.php|title=Comcast buys Seattle's thePlatform|last1=Cook|first1=John|last2=Reporter|first2=P.-I.|date=2006-06-28|website=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref> This represented an entry into a new line of business—selling software to allow companies to manage their Internet (and IP-based) media publishing efforts.

On April 3, 2007, Comcast announced it would acquire the cable systems owned and operated by Patriot Media, a privately held company owned by cable veteran Steven J. Simmons, Spectrum Equity Investors and Spire Capital, that served approximately 81,000 video subscribers for $483&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117560473854158193|title=Comcast Agrees to Acquire Patriot Media for $482 Million|last=Cheng|first=Roger|date=3 April 2007|website=Wall Street Journal}}</ref>

Comcast announced in May 2007<ref name="Martens">{{cite news|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/131598/zimbra_helps_comcast_with_smartzone.html|title=Zimbra Helps Comcast with SmartZone|author=Martens, China|date=May 7, 2007|work=PC World|access-date=September 10, 2008|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG News Service]]|archive-date=May 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531175954/http://www.pcworld.com/article/131598/zimbra_helps_comcast_with_smartzone.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and launched in September 2008 a dashboard called SmartZone that allowed users to perform mobile functions online.<ref name="Kukec">{{cite news|url=http://www.beepcentral.com/story.aspx?story=25592|title=Comcast readies its SmartZone service|author=Kukec, Anna Marie|work=Daily Herald via Beep|access-date=September 11, 2008|publisher=Paddock Publications([[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]])}}</ref> There was also Cloudmark [[email spam|spam]] and [[phishing]] protection and [[Trend Micro]] [[antivirus software|antivirus]].<ref name=Martens/> The address book is Comcast [[Plaxo]] software.<ref name=Martens/>

In May 2008, Comcast purchased Plaxo for a reported $150 million to $170 million.<ref>{{cite web
 | last       = Farber
 | first      = Dan
 | url        = http://www.cnet.com/culture/comcast-goes-social-with-plaxo-acquisition/
 | title      = Comcast goes social with Plaxo acquisition &#124; Outside the Lines – CNET News
 | publisher  = [[CNET]]
 | date       = May 14, 2008
 | access-date = February 25, 2010
 }}</ref>

Comcast won the ''Consumerist'' Worst Company In America ("Golden Poo") award in 2010.<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = http://consumerist.com/2010/04/congratulations-comcast-youre-the-worst-company-in-america.html
 | title      = Comcast: We Don't Want To Be Worst Company In America Again
 | date = April 26, 2010
 | publisher  = The Consumerist
 | access-date = August 28, 2011
 }}</ref> A gold trophy in the shape of a pile of [[human feces]] was delivered to Comcast Corporate Headquarters to commemorate the unmatched level of enmity flowing from their customer base to their business. Comcast responded immediately by publicly acknowledging the dubious award and citing ongoing efforts to improve its customer service.<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = http://consumerist.com/2010/04/comcast-we-dont-want-to-be-worst-company-in-america-again.html
 | title      = Congratulations Comcast; You're The Worst Company In America!
 | date = April 27, 2010
 | publisher  = The Consumerist
 | access-date = August 28, 2011
 }}</ref> One effort to change this is a new app called Tech ETA that allows customers to see exactly when a technician is coming.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.phillymag.com/business/2017/02/23/comcast-technician-tracker/|title=Comcast Launches App-Based Technician Tracker|date=2017-02-23|newspaper=Philadelphia Magazine|access-date=2017-02-23|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 21 May 2024, Comcast announced Xfinity StreamSaver™, a streaming bundle combining Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV+ for Xfinity Internet and TV customers. This bundle offered a subscription to Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium, and Apple TV+, promised over 30% savings or nearly $100 annually.<ref>{{cite news|title=Comcast Introduces Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ Streaming Bundle |date=21 May 2024 |url=https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/comcast-introduces-peacock-netflix-and-apple-tv-streaming-bundle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521235154/https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/comcast-introduces-peacock-netflix-and-apple-tv-streaming-bundle |archive-date=21 May 2024 |access-date=22 May 2024}}</ref>

====Adelphia purchase====
In April 2005, Comcast and Time Warner Cable announced plans to buy the assets of bankrupted [[Adelphia Communications Corporation|Adelphia Cable]].<ref name=Adelphia>{{cite web
 | url        = http://www.internetnews.com/xSP/article.php/3499451/Comcast+Time+Warner+to+Carve+Up+Adelphia.htm
 | title      = Comcast, Time Warner to Carve Up Adelphia
 | publisher  = InternetNews.com
 | author     = Colin C. Haley
 | date       = April 21, 2005
 | access-date = February 14, 2014
 }}</ref> The two companies paid a total of $17.6&nbsp;billion in the deal that was finalized in the second quarter of 2006—after the U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) completed a seven-month investigation without raising an objection.<ref name="Comcast-Apr-2005-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2179/0000950103-05-001292.pdf
 | title      = Comcast, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Apr 26, 2005
 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 | access-date = March 28, 2013
 }}</ref> [[Time Warner Cable]] became the second-largest cable provider in the U.S., ranking behind Comcast. As part of the deal, Time Warner Cable and Comcast traded existing subscribers in order to consolidate them into larger geographic clusters.<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = https://money.cnn.com/2005/04/21/technology/adelphia/index.htm
 | title      = Adelphia deal to shuffle cable: One in 10 subscribers to get new operator as a result of $17.6B purchase by Comcast, Time Warner
 | website  = CNN Money
 | author     = Chris Isidore
 | date       = April 21, 2005
 | access-date = February 25, 2014
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 | url   = http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2005/12/12/daily37.html
 | first = Peter
 | last  = Key
 | title = Comcast adjusts to accommodate Adelphia deal
 | date  = December 15, 2005
 }}</ref>

In August 2006, Comcast and Time Warner Cable dissolved a 50/50 partnership that controlled the systems in the [[Houston]], Southwest Texas, [[San Antonio]], and [[Kansas City Metropolitan Area|Kansas City]] markets under the Time Warner Cable brand. After the dissolution, Comcast obtained the Houston system, and Time Warner retained the others.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070926235353/http://www.timewarnercable.com/InvestorRelations/PressReleases/TWCPressReleaseDivDetail.ashx?PRID=1223&MarketID=19 Time Warner Cable, ''Time Warner Cable/Comcast Official Statement'']. Web.archive.org (September 26, 2007). Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref> On January 1, 2007, Comcast officially took control of the Houston system but continued to operate under the Time Warner Cable brand until June 19, 2007.

====NBCUniversal====
{{Further|Acquisition of NBC Universal by Comcast}}
[[Image:NBCUniversal Logo.svg|thumb|NBCUniversal logo from 2011 to present]]

Media outlets began reporting on October 1, 2009 that Comcast was in talks to buy [[NBC Universal]]. Comcast denied the rumors at first, while NBC would not comment on them.<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/business/media-reports-comcast-in-151625.html Comcast in Talks to Buy NBC Universal], ''AJC.com'', October 1, 2009</ref> However, CNBC itself reported on October 1 that [[General Electric]] was considering spinning NBC Universal off into a separate company that would merge the NBC television network and its cable properties such as USA Network, Syfy and MSNBC, as well as [[Universal Pictures]], with Comcast's content assets. GE would maintain 49% control of the new company, while Comcast owned 51%.<ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/id/33123120 GE is in Talks to Spin Off NBC, Give Comcast 51% of New Unit], ''CNBC.com'', October 1, 2009</ref><ref>[http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/ge-and-comcast-exploring-a-spin-off-of-nbc-universal GE and Comcast Exploring a Spin-Off of NBC Universal], ''The New York Times'', October 1, 2009</ref> [[Vivendi]], which owns 20%, would have to sell its stake to GE. It was reported that under the current deal with GE that it would happen in November or December.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/americasDealsNews/idUSTRE5906P120091001 GE Investors Breathe Sigh of Relief on Comcast Talks], ''Reuters.com'', October 1, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20091003_Questions_continue_to_swirl_around_Comcast_venture.html Questions Continue to Swirl Around Comcast Venture], ''The Philadelphia Inquirer'', October 3, 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005040258/http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20091003_Questions_continue_to_swirl_around_Comcast_venture.html |date=October 5, 2009 }}</ref> It was also reported that [[Time Warner]] would be interested in placing a bid, until CEO [[Jeffrey L. Bewkes]] directly denied interest,<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/business/article/704476--time-warner-won-t-bid-for-nbc-universal Time Warner won't bid for NBC Universal], ''[[Toronto Star]]'', October 2, 2009</ref> leaving Comcast the sole bidder. On November 1, 2009, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported Comcast had moved closer to a deal to purchase NBC Universal and that a formal announcement could be made sometime the following week.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/business/media/02nbc.html Comcast Said to Be Close to Gaining NBC Universal], ''The New York Times'', November 1, 2009</ref>

[[Image:Comcast (2013-2024) logo.svg|thumb|Logo used from January 28, 2013 to January 10, 2024]]
Following a tentative agreement on December 1,<ref>{{Cite news
 | last        = Faber
 | first       = David
 | title       = GE, Comcast Complete Deal Over NBC Universal: Source
 | work        = [[CNBC]]
 | date        = December 1, 2009
 | url         = https://www.cnbc.com/id/34225581
 | access-date  = December 1, 2009
 | url-status     = dead
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150906111757/https://www.cnbc.com/id/34225581
 | archive-date = September 6, 2015
 }}</ref> the parties announced that Comcast would buy a controlling 51% stake in NBC Universal, including [[Universal Pictures]], for $6.5&nbsp;billion in cash and $7.3&nbsp;billion in programming on December 3.<ref name="Comcast-Dec-2009-8-K">{{cite web
 | url        = http://pdf.secdatabase.com/377/0000950103-09-003155.pdf
 | title      = Comcast, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 4, 2009 | publisher  = secdatabase.com
 }}</ref><ref name="comcastnbc">{{Cite news | last1       = Wilkerson | first1      = David B. | last2      = Goldstein | first2     = Steven | title      = Comcast scores controlling stake in NBC Universal | work= [[MarketWatch]] | publisher  = The Wall Street Journal Digital Network | date       = December 3, 2009 | url        = https://www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-to-buy-nbc-stake-as-venture-formed-2009-12-03 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url        =https://money.cnn.com/2009/12/03/news/companies/comcast_nbc/index.htm | title      = GE, Comcast announce joint NBC deal | last       = Goldman | first      = David | date       = December 3, 2009 | work  = [[CNN]]
 }}</ref> GE would take over the remaining 49% stake in NBC Universal, using $5.8&nbsp;billion to buy out Vivendi's 20% minority stake in NBC Universal.<ref name="comcastnbc"/> On January 18, 2011, the FCC approved the deal by a vote of 4 to 1.<ref>[http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/18/f-c-c-approves-comcast-nbc-deal Government Approves Comcast-NBC Deal], ''The New York Times'', January 18, 2011</ref><ref>{{cite news
 | url        = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-18/comcast-nbc-universal-deal-said-to-be-near-u-s-fcc-approval.html
 | title      = Comcast Wins U.S. Approval to Buy NBC Universal From GE for $13.8 Billion
 | publisher  = Bloomberg
 | author1    = Todd Shields
 | author2    = Jeff Bliss
 | date       = January 18, 2011
 | access-date = March 15, 2014
 }}</ref> The transaction was completed on January 28, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=2011-01-29 |title=Comcast, NBC U merger a done deal |url=https://variety.com/2011/tv/news/comcast-nbc-u-merger-a-done-deal-1118031139/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=12792681 Comcast Takes Over NBC Universal After Long Review], ''ABC News'', January 29, 2011</ref> In December 2012, Comcast adopted a new corporate logo, which incorporates [[NBC logo|NBC's peacock logo]] to signify its ownership of the broadcaster.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramachandran |first=John Jannarone And Shalini |date=2012-12-10 |title=NBC Peacock Spreads Wings Over Comcast |language=en-US |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324478304578171611450891682.html |access-date=2022-10-04 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 | last       = Szalai
 | first      = Georg
 | title      = Comcast Adds NBC Peacock to Corporate Logo
 | url        = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/comcast-adds-nbc-peacock-corporate-400477
 | access-date = February 3, 2013
 | newspaper  = The Hollywood Reporter
 | date       = December 11, 2012
 }}</ref> On February 12, 2013, Comcast announced that it would acquire the remaining 49% of General Electric's interest in NBCUniversal, in a deal valued at approximately $16.7 billion.<ref>Meg James "Los Angeles Times" February 12, 2013 [https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-comcast-acquires-all-of-nbcuniversal-20130212,0,1768522.story Comcast to buy out GE's interest in NBCUniversal] latimes.com, Retrieved on February 13, 2013</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=2013-02-12 |title=Comcast To Pay $16.7B For General Electric's 49% Of NBCUniversal |url=https://deadline.com/2013/02/comcast-to-pay-16-7b-for-general-electrics-49-of-nbc-universl-428826/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The acquisition was completed on March 19, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stelter |first=Amy Chozick and Brian |date=2013-02-12 |title=Comcast Buys Rest of NBC in Early Sale |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/comcast-buying-g-e-s-stake-in-nbcuniversal-for-16-7-billion/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Media Decoder Blog |language=en}}</ref><ref name="CMCSA-GE Final">{{Cite web |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=2013-03-19 |title=Comcast Completes Acquisition Of GE's 49% Stake In NBCUniversal |url=https://deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal-457181/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

Comcast reported that third-quarter net profits in 2020 fell 37 percent to $2.02 billion from $3.22 billion the previous year, in part due to the limited capacity measures for the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] at theme parks like [[Universal Destinations & Experiences|Universal Studios]] and movie theaters, with revenues falling 4.8 percent. With their theme park in [[Universal Studios Hollywood|California]] being closed since March 2020 and limited capacity at locations in [[Universal Studios Florida|Florida]] and [[Universal Studios Japan|Japan]], the company was prompted to lay off a number of their employees; revenue for their theme park locations fell 81 percent to $311 million from $1.63 billion in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rizzo|first=Lillian|date=2020-10-29|title=Comcast Burdened by Covid-19 Impact on Theme Parks, Movie Studio|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/comcast-burdened-by-covid-19-impact-on-theme-parks-movie-studio-11603969303|access-date=2020-10-30|issn=0099-9660}}</ref> In 2024, Comcast signed a deal with [[Starlink]] to provide satellite-based connectivity to business customers in regions with limited network access.<ref>{{cite web |title=Comcast, Starlink sign deal to provide satellite-based connectivity to businesses |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/comcast-starlink-sign-deal-provide-satellite-based-connectivity-businesses-2024-06-21/ |website=Reuters |access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref>  

====Failed purchase of Time Warner Cable====
{{main|Attempted purchase of Time Warner Cable by Comcast}}
On February 12, 2014, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reported that Comcast sought to acquire Time Warner Cable in a deal valued at $45.2 billion.<ref>{{cite news
 | title     = Comcast strikes deal to buy Time Warner Cable for $45 billion
 | url       = http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-comcast-strikes-deal-to-buy-time-warner-cable-20140212,0,3700600.story#axzz2tJmR6Qzd
 | newspaper = Los Angeles Times
 | date      = February 12, 2014
 | first1    = Meg
 | last1     = James
 | first2    = Joe
 | last2     = Flint
 }}</ref> On February 13, it was reported that Time Warner Cable agreed to the acquisition.<ref>{{cite news
 | url       = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-12/comcast-said-to-agree-to-pay-159-a-share-for-time-warner-cable.html
 | title     = Comcast Agrees to Buy Time Warner Cable for $45.2 Billion
 | newspaper = Bloomberg
 | date      = February 13, 2014
 | author1   = Alex Sherman
 | author2   = Jeffrey McCracken
 | author3   = Edmund Lee
 }}</ref> This was to add several metropolitan areas to the Comcast portfolio, such as New York City, [[Los Angeles]], [[Dallas–Fort Worth]], [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], [[San Diego]], and San Antonio.<ref>{{cite news
 | url       = https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/13/5407704/comcast-confirms-45-billion-acquisition-of-time-warner-cable
 | title     = Comcast confirms $45 billion merger with Time Warner Cable
 | newspaper = The Verge
 | date      = February 13, 2014
 }}</ref> Time Warner Cable and Comcast aimed to merge into one company by the end of 2014 and both have praised the deal, emphasizing the increased capabilities of a combined telecommunications network, and to "create operating efficiencies and economies of scale".<ref>{{cite news
 | url        = http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140213-908767.html
 | title      = Time Warner Cable to Merge with Comcast Corporation to Create a World-Class Technology and Media Company
 | website    = The Wall Street Journal
 | author     = Comcas Press Release
 | date       = February 13, 2014
 | access-date = March 27, 2014
 }}</ref>

In 2014, critics expressed concern that the deal would give Comcast greater negotiating power in a number of areas, including [[rebroadcast fee]]s with television channels,<ref>{{cite magazine
 | url        = https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2014/02/13/what-the-comcast-time-warner-cable-merger-means-for-tv-viewers/
 | title      = What The Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger Means For TV Viewers
 | magazine  = Forbes
 | author     = Jeff Bercovici
 | date       = February 13, 2014
 | access-date = March 27, 2014
 }}</ref> and [[peering]] agreements with ISPs.<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/19/5526820/al-franken-says-comcast-buying-twc-threatens-open-nature-internet
 | title      = Sen. Al Franken: Comcast buying Time Warner Cable could threaten 'open nature' of internet
 | website  = The Verge
 | author     = Chris Welch
 | date       = March 19, 2014
 | access-date = March 27, 2014
 }}</ref>

Critics noted in 2013 that [[Tom Wheeler (FCC)|Tom Wheeler]], the head of the FCC, which has to approve the deal, is the former head of both the largest cable lobbying organization, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and as largest wireless lobby, [[CTIA – The Wireless Association]].<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/10/ex-cable-and-wireless-lobbyist-confirmed-as-fcc-chairman/
 | title      = Ex-cable and wireless lobbyist confirmed as FCC chairman
 | website  = Ars Technica
 | author     = Jon Brodkin
 | date       = October 29, 2013
 | access-date = February 17, 2014
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine
 | url        = http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/comment/2014/02/comcast-time-warner-acquisition-competition-cable-internet-monopoly.html
 | title      = We Need Real Competition, Not a Cable-Internet Monopoly
 | magazine  = The New Yorker
 | author     = John Cassidy
 | date       = February 13, 2014
 | access-date = February 17, 2014
 }}</ref> According to ''[[Politico]]'', Comcast "donated to almost every member of Congress who has a hand in regulating it".<ref>Romm, Tony (March 9, 2014). [http://www.politico.com/story/2014/03/comcast-cash-spread-wide-on-capitol-hill-104469.html#ixzz2vew7KkGv Comcast spreads cash wide on Capitol Hill]. ''[[Politico]].'' Retrieved March 11, 2014.</ref> The [[United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary|U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee]] held a hearing on the deal on April 9, 2014.<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-11/news/49035185_1_comcast-time-warner-cable-comcast-time-warner-comcast-corp
 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20140415030801/http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-11/news/49035185_1_comcast-time-warner-cable-comcast-time-warner-comcast-corp
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = April 15, 2014
 | title      = A sometimes-tense hearing on Capitol Hill on proposed Comcast-Time Warner merger
 | website    = The Philadelphia Inquirer
 | author     = Bob Fernandez
 | date       = April 11, 2014
 | access-date = April 14, 2014
 }}</ref> The [[House Judiciary Committee]] planned its own hearing.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://judiciary.house.gov/index.cfm/2014/2/goodlatte-and-bachus-statement-on-proposed-comcast-time-warner-cable-merger
 |title       = Goodlatte and Bachus Statement on Proposed Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger
 |publisher   = judiciary.house.gov
 |author      = Jessica Collins or Lauren Hammond
 |date        = February 13, 2014
 |access-date  = March 23, 2014
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140324032919/http://judiciary.house.gov/index.cfm/2014/2/goodlatte-and-bachus-statement-on-proposed-comcast-time-warner-cable-merger
 |archive-date = March 24, 2014
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref> On March 6, 2014, the [[United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division]] confirmed it was investigating the deal.<ref>{{cite web
 | url        = https://news.yahoo.com/us-confirms-antitrust-probe-comcast-twc-deal-180451010.html
 | title      = US confirms antitrust probe of Comcast-TWC deal
 | publisher  = Yahoo News
 | author     = Agence France-Presse
 | date       = March 6, 2014
 | access-date = March 23, 2014
 }}</ref> In March 2014, the division's chairman, William Baer, recused himself because he was involved in the prior Comcast NBCUniversal acquisition.<ref>{{cite news
 | url        = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/business/top-federal-antitrust-official-will-not-weigh-in-on-comcast-time-warner-cable-merger.html?_r=0
 | title      = Top Official Can't Rule on Cable Merger
 | website    = The New York Times
 | author     = EDWARD WYATT
 | date       = March 6, 2014
 | access-date = March 23, 2014
 }}</ref> Several states' attorneys general have announced support for the federal investigation.<ref>{{cite news
 | url        = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-timewarnercable-comcast-idUSBREA2I0XL20140319
 | title      = Exclusive: States to probe Comcast plan to buy Time Warner Cable
 | work  = Reuters
 | author     = Diane Bartz
 | date       = March 19, 2014
 | access-date = March 23, 2014
 }}</ref> On April 24, 2015, Jonathan Sallet, general counsel of the F.C.C., explained that he was going to recommend a hearing before an administrative law judge, equivalent to a collapse of the deal.<ref name=nyt>{{cite news
 | last1       = Steel
 | first1      = Emily
 | last2      = Gelles
 | first2     = David
 | last3      = Ruiz
 | first3     = Rebecca
 | last4      = Lipton
 | first4     = Eric
 | title      = Comcast Is Said to End $45 Billion Bid for Time Warner Cable
 | url        = https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/business/media/comcast-time-warner-cable-merger.html
 | access-date = April 24, 2015
 | work       = [[The New York Times]]
 | date       = April 23, 2015
 }}</ref>

In August 2015, Comcast announced that it would increase Internet speeds for low-income customers from 5 [[Data-rate units#Megabit per second|Mbit/s]] to 10 Mbit/s, provide free wireless routers, and pilot an initiative to increase Internet access for low-income senior citizens.<ref name=boston>{{cite news
 | author     = Tali Arbel Associated Press
 | title      = Comcast speeding up its discounted Internet service
 | url        = https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/08/04/comcast-speeding-its-discounted-internet-service/bZdG8mR0Dtf0vI1LUyEFzH/story.html
 | access-date = September 3, 2015
 | work       = [[The Boston Globe]]
 | date       = August 4, 2015
 }}</ref> In September of that year Comcast also launched Watchable, a [[YouTube]] competitor.<ref name="watchablevar">{{cite web
 | last1      = Spangler
 | first1     = Todd
 | title      = Comcast Launches Watchable: Can Web Video Help Save Cable TV?
 | url        = https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/comcast-watchable-launch-1201604855/
 | website    = Variety
 | date = September 29, 2015
 | access-date = April 10, 2016
 }}</ref> The move was seen by [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] as an attempt to appeal to the [[cord-cutting]] market.<ref name="watchablevar"/>

====DreamWorks Animation====
{{Main|DreamWorks Animation}}
On April 28, 2016, Comcast officially announced its NBCUniversal division will acquire [[DreamWorks Animation]] for $3.8 billion.<ref>{{cite web
 | url    = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/04/28/comcast-to-buy-dreamworks-animation-for-26bn/
 | title  = Comcast to buy DreamWorks Animation for £2.6bn
 | author = Peter Spence
 | date   = April 28, 2016
 | work   = The Telegraph
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 | url    = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-27/comcast-in-discussions-to-buy-dreamworks-animation-wsj-reports
 | title  = Comcast in Discussions to Buy DreamWorks Animation, WSJ Reports
 | author = Anousha Sakoui
 | date   = April 27, 2016
 | work   = Bloomberg.com
 }}</ref> The acquisition completed on August 22, 2016; DreamWorks Animation was integrated into [[Universal Studios, Inc.|Universal Filmed Entertainment]] as part of [[Universal Pictures]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201842240/|title=Comcast Completes $3.8 Billion Purchase of DreamWorks Animation|first=Dave|last=McNary|date=August 22, 2016}}</ref> Universal took over distribution of DreamWorks Animation films beginning in 2019 with ''[[How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World]]'' after DreamWorks Animation's deal with [[20th Century Fox]] ended.

====Cellular service====
In September 2016, Comcast confirmed that it would launch an [[MVNO]] [[cellular network]] with [[Verizon Wireless]]. The service, described as being a "Wi-Fi and MVNO-integrated product" was expected to launch in mid-2017.<ref>Chris Welch, The Verge. "[https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/20/12986872/comcast-mobile-network-verizon-mvno-2017 Comcast confirms plans to launch mobile phone service in 2017]." Sep 20, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2017.</ref> The partnership and the addition of wireless would allow Comcast to offer a [[quadruple play]] of services.<ref name="verge-comcastmvno">{{cite web| title = Comcast confirms plans to launch mobile phone service in 2017 | url = https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/20/12986872/comcast-mobile-network-verizon-mvno-2017 | website = The Verge| date = September 20, 2016 | access-date = October 8, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Comcast Is Launching a Wireless Service Next Year | url =http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/25/comcast-is-launching-a-wireless-service-next-year.aspx| website    = The Motley Fool| date =September 25, 2016| access-date = October 8, 2016 }}</ref> Including Comcast's Home Security offering, customers now have the option of a Quintuple Play.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Athavaley|first1=Anjali|title=RPT-Comcast builds out "smart home" strategy as cable shrinks|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/r-rpt-comcast-builds-out-smart-home-strategy-as-cable-shrinks-2017-8|access-date=28 September 2017|work=Business Insider|language=en|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731225754/https://www.businessinsider.com/r-rpt-comcast-builds-out-smart-home-strategy-as-cable-shrinks-2017-8|url-status=dead}}</ref> The service was officially announced on April 6, 2017, as Xfinity Mobile.<ref name="phillycom-xfinitymobile">{{cite web|title=Comcast plunges again into cell phone service. Can it overcome past failures?|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/comcast-nation/Comcast-to-launch-Xfinity-Mobile-by-mid-year-making-it-part-of-the-Internet-TV-bundle.html|website=Philly.com|date=April 6, 2017 |access-date=6 April 2017}}</ref>

==== Attempted acquisition of Fox and subsequently of Sky ====
{{See also|Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney}}
On November 16, 2017, it was reported that Comcast attempted to purchase [[21st Century Fox]], following the news 10 days earlier that Disney negotiated with Fox to acquire the same assets. Like Disney, the deal included the 20th Century Fox film and television studios, cable entertainment and broadcast satellite networks including [[FX Networks]], [[National Geographic Partners]], [[Fox Sports Networks]], and international channels such as [[Star India]]. It would not include the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]], [[Fox Television Stations]], [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]], and [[Fox News]] units, all which will be spun-off into a new independent company,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/comcast-21st-century-fox-acquisition-talks-report-1202210244/|title=Comcast-Fox Deal Talks Latest Entry Into Media Merger Mania|last1=C. Chmielewski|first1=Dawn |last2=Hayes|first2=Dade|date=2017-11-16|work=Deadline |access-date=2017-11-28}}</ref> which is later known as the [[Fox Corporation]] since the 2019 launch.

However, on December 11, 2017, Comcast officially dropped the bid, saying that "We never got the level of engagement needed to make a definitive offer."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fox-m-a-comcast-exclusive/comcast-drops-bid-for-fox-assets-leaving-disney-in-pole-position-idUSKBN1E52OM|title=Comcast drops bid for Fox assets, leaving Disney in pole position |last=Reuter Staff|first=Reuter Staff|date=2017-12-11|work=Reuters |access-date=2017-12-11}}</ref> On December 14, Disney officially confirmed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion in stock, pending review from the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/12/14/media/disney-fox-deal/index.html|title=Disney is buying most of 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion|last=Riley|first=Charles and Hadas Gold|work=[[CNN Business|CNNMoney]]|access-date=2017-12-14}}</ref>

On February 5, 2018, a new report by CNBC claims that despite the Disney/Fox deal, Comcast was considering topping Disney's $52.4 billion offer once the [[AT&T]]–[[Time Warner]] merger goes through, after the Department of Justice Antitrust Division sued to block the merger on November 20, 2017.

On February 27, 2018, Comcast offered to purchase 61% stake in Sky plc at a value of £12.50 per-share, approximately £22.1 billion. 21st Century Fox, which owns 39% stake in Sky, had previously declined a US$60 billion acquisition offer by Comcast in favor of its deal with Disney, due to anti-competition concerns.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-43209100|title=Murdoch bid for Sky challenged by US giant|date=27 February 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/comcast-mulls-renewed-21st-century-fox-pursuit-1202285921/|title=Comcast Mulls Renewing Its 21st Century Fox Assets Pursuit – Report|last=Haring|first=Bruce|date=12 February 2018|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/comcast-fox-bid-disney-merger-1202694858/|title=Comcast May Make Another Bid for 21st Century Fox (Report)|date=12 February 2018|work=Variety|access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> NBCUniversal CEO [[Steve Burke (businessman)|Steve Burke]] stated that purchasing Sky would roughly double its presence in English-speaking markets, and allow for synergies between the respective networks and studios of NBCUniversal and Sky. Fox stated that it "remains committed to its recommended cash offer for Sky", and that Comcast had not yet made a "firm offer".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/nbcus-steve-burke-claims-comcasts-31b-sky-deal-will-boost-scripted-tv-film-fortunes-1202304579/|title=NBCU's Steve Burke Claims Comcast's $31B Sky Deal Will Boost Scripted TV & Film Fortunes, Fox Notes No "Firm Offer" Was Made; 21st Century Fox Reacts – Update|last=White|first=Peter|date=27 February 2018|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref>

On April 12, the [[Panel on Takeovers and Mergers]] ruled that Disney had to acquire all of Sky within 28 days of fully acquiring Fox if the latter's acquisition of Sky was not completed by the time the merger was done, or if Comcast's counter-offer was not accepted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/disney-will-be-forced-to-acquire-all-of-sky-if-foxs-takeover-of-uk-pay-net-is-not-complete-before-mega-deal-1202362838|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415162351/http://deadline.com/2018/04/disney-will-be-forced-to-acquire-all-of-sky-if-foxs-takeover-of-uk-pay-net-is-not-complete-before-mega-deal-1202362838/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2018|title=Disney Will Be Forced To Acquire All Of Sky If Fox's Takeover Of UK Pay Net Is Not Complete Before Mega-Deal|last=White|first=Peter|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 12, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref> On April 25, 2018, Comcast made its formal counter-bid for Sky plc, offering £12.50 per-share; Sky subsequently withdrew its recommendation of the Fox bid.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43891132|title=Comcast starts £22bn bidding war for Sky|last=Wilson|first=Bill|date=25 April 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=25 April 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

On May 7, 2018, Comcast announced a potential bid against Disney's effort to acquire Fox after it spoke to investment banks about making a $60 billion cash offer, pending on approval of the AT&T–Time Warner merger.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/4-reasons-comcast-covets-fox/|title=4 reasons Comcast covets Fox|last=Gibson|first=Kate|work=CBS|date=May 7, 2018}}</ref> Eight days later, several Fox investors expressed interests in signing a deal with Comcast due to their all-cash offer as opposed to Disney's $52.4 billion stock offer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/comcasts-all-cash-bid-could-pit-murdoch-against-fox-shareholders.html|title=Comcast's all-cash bid could pit Murdoch against Fox shareholders|work=CNBC|date=May 15, 2018|access-date=May 15, 2018|archive-date=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515181006/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/15/comcasts-all-cash-bid-could-pit-murdoch-against-fox-shareholders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Then on June 5, 2018, [[Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport|Culture Secretary]] [[Matt Hancock]] cleared both 21st Century Fox and Comcast's respective offers to acquire Sky plc. Fox's offer is contingent on the divestiture of Sky News.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44373621|title=Sky bid battle looms after government nod|date=5 June 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=5 June 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Szalai |first1=Georg |title=U.K. Approves Fox's Sky Bid, Subject to Sale of Sky News, and Clears Comcast Offer |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/uk-approves-foxs-sky-bid-subject-sale-sky-news-clears-comcast-offer-1115661 |access-date=5 June 2018 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Eight days later, Comcast officially announced a $65 billion counter-offer to acquire the 21st Century Fox's assets that Disney offered to purchase.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/13/17457244/comcast-21st-century-fox-film-tv-studios-acquisition-deal-announced|title=Comcast makes $65 billion offer to steal 21st Century Fox away from Disney|work=The Verge|access-date=2018-06-13}}</ref>

On June 15, 2018, the European Commission gave antitrust clearance to Comcast's offer to purchase Sky, citing that in terms of their current assets in Europe, there would be limited impact on competition. Comcast included a 10-year commitment to the operations and funding of Sky News similar to that of Disney's offer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/comcast-clears-eu-hurdle-in-29-billion-bid-for-sky-1529076176|title=Comcast Clears EU Hurdle in $29 Billion Bid for Sky|last=Woo|first=Stu|date=15 June 2018|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=18 June 2018|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-15/comcast-clears-eu-antitrust-hurdle-for-sky-ahead-of-disney-fight|title=Comcast Clears EU Antitrust Hurdle for Sky Ahead of Disney Fight|date=15 June 2018|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=18 June 2018|language=en}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/eu-clears-comcasts-bid-sky-1107237|title=EU Clears Comcast's Bid for Sky|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=18 June 2018|language=en}}</ref> On June 19, 2018, Disney formally agreed to acquire Sky News as part of Fox's proposed bid, with a 15-year commitment to increase its annual funding from £90 million to £100 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/walt-disney-agrees-acquire-sky-news-boost-funding-1119303|title=Walt Disney Agrees to Acquire Sky News, Annual Funding to Be Boosted to $130M|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=19 June 2018|language=en}}</ref>

However, on June 20, 2018, Disney and Fox announced that they had amended their previous merger agreement, upping Disney's offer to $71.3 billion (a 10% premium over Comcast's $65 billion offer), while also offering shareholders the option of receiving cash instead of stock.<ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-20/fox-agrees-to-sweetened-bid-from-disney-dealing-blow-to-comcast|title=Disney Sweetens Offer for Fox to $71 Billion, Outbidding Comcast|website=Bloomberg|last=Turner|first=Nick|date=June 20, 2018|access-date=June 20, 2018}}</ref> On June 27, the [[United States Department of Justice]] gave antitrust approval to Disney under the condition of selling Fox's 22 regional sports channels, to which the company has agreed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/27/us-set-to-give-antitrust-approval-for-disney-fox-deal.html|title=Disney wins US antitrust approval to buy Fox assets|work=CNBC|date=June 27, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> On the next day, Disney and Fox shareholders scheduled July 27, 2018 as the day to vote on Fox's properties being sold to Disney, giving Comcast enough time to make a higher counter-offer for the Fox assets.<ref name="Vote-07-27-Variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/disney-fox-shareholder-voting-date-1202861184/|title=Disney, Fox Set Shareholder Voting Date for $71 Billion Deal|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 28, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Vote-07-27-LATimes">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-disney-fox-shareholders-vote-20180628-story.html|title=Disney and Fox schedule July 27 shareholder votes on merger — upping pressure on Comcast|last=James|first=Meg|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 28, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref>

On July 11, 2018, 21st Century Fox raised its bid to purchase Sky plc assets to $32.5 billion, and $18.57 a share. In response, Comcast increased its bid to $34 billion, and $19.5 a share. At the same time, Fox was given clearance by the British government to purchase Sky.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44791383|title=Murdoch's Fox increases Sky bid to £24.5bn in takeover battle|work=BBC.com|date=11 July 2018|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/comcast-sky-21st-century-fox-disney-auction-1202870876/|title=Comcast Raises Bid for Sky as Regulatory Decision Accelerates Sale Process|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 11, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2018}}</ref> On July 18, 2018, ''Bloomberg'' reported that the Sky board scheduled July 27, 2018 as the day shareholders vote on selling Sky properties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-18/key-u-k-sky-hearing-scheduled-for-same-day-as-fox-disney-vote|title=Sky Hearing on Same Day as Fox Vote Complicates Comcast Bid|last=Mayes|first=Joe|work=Bloomberg|date=July 18, 2018|access-date=July 19, 2018}}</ref>

However, on July 12, 2018, the Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal with the D.C. Circuit to reverse the District Court's approval for AT&T acquisition of Time Warner (now renamed WarnerMedia). Although analysts say that the chances of the DOJ win are small, they say it is the "final nail in the coffin for Comcast's Fox chase. This is a clear gift to Disney."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/13/heres-what-the-doj-needs-to-happen-to-win-its-appeal-against-att.html|title=Here's what the DOJ needs to happen to win its appeal against AT&T|first=Alex|last=Sherman|website=[[CNBC]]|date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> On the next day, CEO of AT&T [[Randall Stephenson]] gave an interview with CNBC, about Comcast's bid for Fox: "It probably can't help it. You're in a situation where two entities are bidding for an asset, and this kind of action can obviously influence the outcome of those actions."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/13/doj-challenge-to-att-time-warner-deal-could-affect-disney-fox-comcast.html|title=DOJ challenge to AT&T-Time Warner deal could affect Disney and Comcast's bidding war for Fox, says AT&T's Stephenson|first=Ariel|last=Shapiro|website=[[CNBC]]|date=July 13, 2018}}</ref>

On July 16, 2018, CNBC reported that Comcast was unlikely to continue its bidding war to acquire Fox from Disney in favor of [[Sky Group|Sky]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moyer |first1=Liz |title=Comcast unlikely to raise Fox bid; focused on Sky: Sources |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/16/comcast-unlikely-to-raise-fox-bid-focused-on-sky-sources.html |work=CNBC |date=16 July 2018}}</ref> Three days later, Comcast officially announced that it was dropping its bid on the Fox assets in order to focus on their bid for Sky. CEO of Comcast, Brian L. Roberts said: "I'd like to congratulate Bob Iger and the team at Disney and commend the Murdoch family and Fox for creating such a desirable and respected company."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/07/19/comcast-drops-bid-st-century-fox-leaving-entertainment-powerhouse-hands-disney/|title=Comcast drops bid for 21st Century Fox, clearing way for Disney|last1=Zeitchik|first1=Steven|last2=Romm|first2=Tony|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 19, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref> Eight days later, 21st Century Fox shareholders agreed to sell the majority of its assets to Disney for $71.3 billion. The sale covered the majority of 21CF's entertainment assets, including 20th Century Fox, FX Networks, and National Geographic Partners, among others.

On September 22, 2018, Comcast outbid 21st Century Fox, by raising its bid for Sky plc to $40 billion, or $22.57 a share.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/09/22/media/comcast-win-fox-sky/index.html|title=Comcast outbids 21st Century Fox for Sky |last=Gold|first=Hadas|work=CNN|date=September 22, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018}}</ref> On September 25, 2018, Comcast bought a 30% stake of Sky plc. The next day on September 26, 2018, Fox with the consent of its acquirer sold its 39% stake to Comcast in exchange for $15 billion in cash.<ref>{{cite news |last=Garrahan |first=Matthew |date=2018-09-26 |title=Disney-Fox to sell Sky stake to Comcast |work=[[Financial Times]] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f8002306-c187-11e8-95b1-d36dfef1b89a |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/f8002306-c187-11e8-95b1-d36dfef1b89a |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018 Comcast later acquired the rest of the shares of Sky with the company being delisted in November.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cmcsa.com/static-files/ab8e5d23-2bf7-4929-83cf-45033c1891d6|title=Recommended mandatory superior cash offer for Sky: Compulsory acquisition of Sky shares}}</ref> The merger was completed on November 7, 2018, when the company was delisted after becoming a wholly owned subsidiary and division of Comcast.<ref>{{cite web |title=Comcast looks to Sky deal as US cord cutting hits home |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9d657064-d83d-11e8-a854-33d6f82e62f8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/9d657064-d83d-11e8-a854-33d6f82e62f8 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=Financial Times |access-date=November 24, 2018}}</ref>
====Later investments, proposed spin-off of several NBCU assets====
On June 20, 2022, Comcast acquired Levl, an American-Israeli startup develops technology that authenticates wireless devices and can help prevent hacking, for an estimated $50 million. Following the acquisition, Comcast announced it will set up its first development center in [[Israel]].<ref name="comcast1">{{cite web |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjngl9at5|title=Comcast to acquire startup Levl for an estimated $50 million |work=Ctech |first=Meir |last=Orbach |date=June 20, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>

In 2023, Comcast and Disney agreed that Comcast would sell its 33% stake to [[Hulu]] (the service has an audience of 48 million [[Subscription_business_model|subscribers]]). The [[Streaming_media|streaming service]] is valued at $27.5 billion in this deal. Part of the proceeds from this deal will be used to [[Share_repurchase|buy back]] Comcast [[Share_(finance)|shares]].<ref>{{Cite news|lang=en|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/06/business/media/comcast-disney-hulu-deal.html|title=Comcast and Disney Agree to Speed Up Hulu Deal|work=The New York Times |date=September 6, 2023 |access-date=2024-02-26|archive-date=2024-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207171133/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/06/business/media/comcast-disney-hulu-deal.html |last1=Mullin |first1=Benjamin }}</ref>

On October 31, 2024, Mike Cavanagh announced on the company's 2024 third-quarter earnings call that it would consider a spin-off of its cable networks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/comcast-may-form-separate-company-for-cable-networks-1236163211/|title=Comcast Looking At Forming A New Stand-Alone Company For Its Cable Networks, President Mike Cavanagh Says|date=31 October 2024|access-date=20 November 2024|work=Deadline|first=Dade|last=Hayes}}</ref> On November 20th of that same year, the company announced that it had greenlit the spin-off. The entity would consist of NBCU's US cable networks including [[USA Network]], [[CNBC]], [[MSNBC]], [[Oxygen (TV channel)|Oxygen]], [[E!]], [[Syfy]] and [[Golf Channel]] alongside the company's digital portfolio such as [[Fandango Media|Fandango]], [[SportsEngine]], [[Rotten Tomatoes]] and [[GolfNow]]. NBCU would retain the [[NBC]] network, [[Telemundo]], [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]], [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]], [[Hayu (streaming service)|Hayu]], the [[NBC Sports]] and [[NBC News]] divisions as well as NBCU's [[Universal Studios, Inc.|filmed entertainment]], [[Universal Studio Group|television studios]] and [[Universal Destinations and Experiences|theme park]] businesses. The separate entity, classified as a tax-free spin-off is scheduled to be completed in 2025, pending regulatory approval.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/spin-off-select-cable-television-networks|title=Comcast Announces Intention to Create Leading Independent Media Business Through Spin-Off of Select Cable Television Networks|date=20 October 2024|work=Comcast}}</ref> This coincided with the promotion of Donna Langley to head the Entertainment & Studios group while Matt Strauss being promoted to chairman as Mark Lazarus and Anand Kimi plan to step down after the spin-off's completion to head the separate entity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/matt-strauss-donna-langley-lead-nbcuniversal-1236215272/|title=Matt Strauss, Donna Langley Expand Roles at New NBCUniversal|first=Brian|last=Steinberg|date=20 October 2024|work=Variety}}</ref>