Comcast, NBC Go to Congress to Make Case for Deal

Comcast and NBC Universal are trying to convince lawmakers that the cable TV operator's plan to take control of the NBC media empire is in the public interest.

The CEOs for Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal are scheduled to testify Thursday at separate House and Senate subcommittee hearings. Other witnesses include representatives from consumer watchdog groups, a competing cable TV company and a group representing NBC affiliates — the stations not owned by NBC Universal.

Comcast, based in Philadelphia, is seeking to acquire a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal from Fairfield, Conn.-based General Electric Co. The Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission are currently reviewing the deal.