David Cohen (left) is interview by Supernova Hub organizer Kevin Werbach

According to what David Cohen says, Comcast isn’t worried about the shift to online video.

In fact, he says, the company is welcoming it — enough so that the future of online video has become the dominant conversation surrounding the company’s proposed acquisition of NBC Universal. Regulators are a wreck over what the merger might mean for moving pictures on the web, but Comcast maintains that the deal would stimulate, not stifle, competition.

During his keynote interview at today’s Superniva Hub conference, Comcast’s Executive Vice President answered a wide range of questions about his company’s merger with NBCU and privacy concerns (see our Q and A with him here).

“People often don’t realize how large Comcast is,” said Cohen adding that NBCU will only be 20 percent of Comcast.

But Cohen’s main focus was Xfinity and its role in content creation. Below, hear why Cohen and Comcast aren’t concerned about the shift to online video.

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• Marketwatch reports that Comcast announced during its 2Q earnings call, the company announced profit declined by nine percent in pursuit of its NBC Universal acquisition but, as the Philadelphia Business Journal highlighted, they beat revenue projections.
• Read a transcript of the call on the Street here.
• Broadcasting & Cable reports disclosure from Comcast that NBCU conditions will continue to affect the telecommunications company’s cash flow. H/T Philly Tech News

Below, ESPN has new reason to battle, how advertising dollars could be worth $10 billion and more.

• Media Post reports that an expected battle between Comcast and ESPN over rights to future Olympic games may be even more competitive knowing that Procter & Gamble, the world’s largest advertiser, which has signed a 10-year international sponsorship deal with the USOC.
• The Inquirer’s Bob Fernandez follows up on reports that @ComcastCares Frank Eliason is leaving Comcast for Citigroup.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• The Wrap reports that Minn. Democratic Senator Al Franken is calling the Comcast-NBC battle as the ‘First Amendment’ issue of our time.
• For their 2Q call coverage, BusinessWeek focuses on the company’s loss of more than a quarter million video subscribers, revenue that was made up by rate increases, pay-per-view orders and more expensive cable packages. BW also features a Q&A format with Comcast Cable chief Neil Smit.
• paidContent reports that Comcast COO Stephen Burke says ‘With NBC, Our Ad Business Will Be Worth $10 Billion.’

GIVE A GLANCE

• Trader Shuddle reports growth in Comcast stock valuation, pushed to a ‘different trading range.’
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that a baby recliner designed by Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia front man Leslie Gudel is being voluntarily recalled after reports of an infant death.
• Light Reading reports that Comcast has set free its new video-on-demand platform ‘Project Infinity.’
• Light Reading reports further acknowledgment from Comcast about plans to offer a super fast 105-Mb residential tier internet options. H/T PTN

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• LA Times reports that Comcast told the FCC that critics of its deal of NBC are ‘self-serving.’
• The New York Post reports that in a court filing Comcast calls itself the fourth largest media company in terms of advertising and affiliate revenue if the NBC deal would go through.
• Variety reports on the filing saying that Comcast portrays its acquisition of NBC as an opportunity to stimulate, not stifle, competition.

Below, the man behind @ComcastCares is leaving, Google bumps its lobbying budget to fight on net neutrality and more.

• Business Week reports on the persistent claim that Comcast may have to sell of NBC TV stations or agree to an independent arbitration settle pricing disputes if the cable giant wants its deal to meet regulatory approval.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• Frank Eliason, the noted @ComcastCares blogger, announces he’s leaving the company for a new opportunity. (Expect more on this from Technically Philly.)
• The Washington Post reports that the FCC has criticized the speed with which broadband has been deployed nationally, a claim that has no surprise drawn the ire of telecommunications companies like Comcast.
• Light Reading reports that Comcast is making a national push to be a ‘major player in the enterprise and mobile backhaul markets.” H/T Philly Tech News

GIVE A GLANCE

• Bloomberg News reports on a 50 percent bump in Google’s lobbying budget in the first half of 2010, largely due to its battle on net neutrality issues with Comcast and other ISPs.
• USA Today reports on a split among fans for the next choice to be the manager of the Cubs baseball franchise, with the local Comcast Sports Net website poll apparently playing a heavy roll.
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast is going to add the Ski Channel to its On Demand programming — finally.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

Updated 7/15/10 @ 2:37 p.m.: WiMax product reporting

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that the European Commission has approved the Comcast-NBC Universal deal.
• Broadcasting and Cable reports that at this week’s Comcast-NBC deal public hearing in Chicago the focus turned to the deal’s potential impact on the future of online video. H/T Philly Tech News
• The Washington Post adds to the storyline of online video playing into the Comcast-NBC regulatory process, all after the Inquirer set the table on what the impact of the hearing was meant to be.

Below, get your $16, TV Everywhere is called ‘all hype’ and more.

• Multichannel News reports that Comcast’s internal surveying shows increases in its customer service approval ratings, just around the time that a ComputerWorld blogger shares his “tech support nightmare” with Comcast and cites it as evidence of wholesale incompetence.
• Ars Technica reports that Comcast subscribers from April 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2008 who used various peer-to-peer sharing networks can receive $16 in repayment.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• The Comcast corporate blog shares its take on the Chicago public hearing, in addition to highlighting who the company says benefits from its acquisition of NBC.
• Silicon Alley Insider reports that TV Everywhere is ‘all hype’ because Comcast is supplementing its free video streaming service by raising its rates on other services.
• The Washington Post highlights some of the major conditions outlined for the Comcast-NBC deal to be approved.

GIVE A GLANCE

• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast has unleashed its top tier 100 megabits per second download internet service in Philadelphia, after rolling out the service in the Twin Cities. Light Reading adds to the story and its context by reporting on another improved product roll out, “High-Speed 2 Go WiMax product.”
• The Comcast corporate blog also has a general item on its take on public hearings.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• Updated  7/9/10 @ 9:04 a.m.: The Los Angeles Times reports that Comcast has promised $20 million in investment capital for minority-owned businesses as a condition of its deal for NBC.
• Los Angeles Times Company Town blog reports that Comcast has reached an agreement with CBS, ABC and Fox stations over its proposed acquisition of NBC, hoping to eas regulatory approval.
• A Forbes blog speculates on why Netflix should be an $82 stock, comparing it with Comcast.
• Visiting Princeton University Law Professor Susan Crawford writes on her blog about a Comcast-NBC deal public filing from NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, who reported the organization fears further consolidation would allow Comcast unfair control for local sports.
• The Huffington Post has a piece on net neutrality and how Comcast inspired one activist for the cause.

Below, net neutrality lobbyists, Comcast works with the Banana Republic on ‘Mad Men’ wear and more.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• Reuters reports that small deals are the trend for media players at the decades-old media elite Sun Valley summit, a trend in contrast to the continued buzz around regulatory approval of the Comcast-NBC acquisition. The Los Angeles Times also reports on the summit in Idaho.
• As reported in our VC Roundup, Comcast Interactive Capital was part of a $17 million investment in Plymouth Meeting healthcare services provider Accolade.
• The Washington Post reports on an analysis suggesting about as many lobbyists are being hired to defend net neutrality as those lobbying against the FCC measure.

GIVE A GLANCE

• The New York Times Media Decoder blog reports that Comcast is co-sponsoring Banana Republic ‘Mad Men’ shopping events.
• Light Reading reports that expansion of Comcast’s AnyRoom DVR service is launching in 20 markets, the nearest to Philadelphia being western Massachusetts. H/T Philly Tech News
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports Comcast has pledged an increase in Hispanic programming, employees, business relationships and other initiatives if the NBC deal is approved.
• Recordnet reports that Comcast prices are rising in northern California. The Seattle Times and the Spokesman Review reports the same for Washington state.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

DEFINITE READS

• The Hill reports that the FCC has again stopped the ‘time clock’ on the Comcast-NBC acquisition review, asking that NBCU resubmit its filings. H/T Philly Tech News
• DirecTV and Dish Network have filed formal requests for access to Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, after a January court decision compelled Comcast to stop limiting carrying the channel and its exclusive sports programming.

Below, a major move from Hulu, a sports content sharing agreement and more.

• The New York Times Media Decoder blog reports on the long-expected unveiling of a paid, premium subscription to Hulu, the coveted video streaming site of which NBC has partial ownership.
• A New York Times editorial argues the FCC should extend its authority over broadband, despite the political support otherwise from telecommunications giants like Comcast.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

• Peter Key of the Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast has entered a content sharing agreement with D.C.-based sports blog network SB Nation. Earlier this month, Comcast SportsNet bought its second Philadelphia sports blog.
• Broadband DSL Reports writes that the City of Detroit is suing Comcast to keep 1985 municipal franchise agreement in place, rather than a 2006 Michigan state version.

GIVE A GLANCE

• A Comcast corporate blog post co-authored by Comcast and NBCU executives argues that connecting their companies will ‘expand opportunities for Latinos.’
• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast entered a new multiyear agreement with Starz to carry that channel, along with its related Encoure and MoviePlex channels.
• Delaware County Times reports that a Comcast employee was electrocuted to death in Marple Township.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

Updated 5/21/10 @ 12:08 p.m.: Lobbying as percentage of revenue

DEFINITE READS

The Los Angeles Times profiles Bridget Baker, the NBC executive who negotiates with cable distributors, like Comcast, to secure distribution rights.

The New York Times reports on an FCC ruling supporting a move to allow movie distributors to sell early release feature films via on-demand services, a process that could pit Comcast against movie theaters.

Below, the man who will lead the NBC deal regulation, video interview on the 4G market and more.

MIGHT BE OF INTEREST

The Washington Post reports that the FCC has appointed John Flynn, general counsel of ICO Global Communications, to lead the review of Comcast’s acquisition of NBC. Reuters reports that the move will let the FCC focus on other issues during the lengthy regulatory approval.

The Silicon Alley Insider charts the money spent on lobbying in 2009 by major technology companies, including Comcast’s $13 million, nearly four tenths of a percent four percent of its overall revenue.

GIVE A GLANCE

Light Reading speaks with a Comcast spokeswoman on the company’s priming of the 4G market.

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• The Atlantic Wire suggests that like Google Buzz is an attack on social media companies like Facebook, the search engine’s announcement that it will offer super fast broadband networks to select municipalities is an attack on telecommunications companies like Comcast.
• The Business Insider reports that Senator Al Franken used his vocal opposition to the Comcast-NBC deal to garner campaign donations.

Below, an anti-Comcast pink dragon, the first xfinity TV ad and more.

MIGHT BE WORTH YOUR TIME

• As shared in our VC roundup, The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast Interactive Capital led a $16 million investment in a New York-based online video advertising company TidalTV.
• Stop the Cap suggests Comcast is part of a ‘broadband stimulus blockade.’

GIVE A GLANCE

• Philebrity blames anger over Comcast for this fiery dragon snow sculpture spotted on Fourth Street.
• Barrons reports that Comcast shares are trading ‘modestly higher’ after a Citigroup analyst added them to a top pick list.
• The Comcast corporate blog shares its new xfinity (details on product here) ad that debuted during the Olympics — which airs on its likely future subsidiary. See it below.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• The Washington Post reports on Comcast’s bolstered presence in D.C. circles, ahead of regulatory oversight of its deal for NBC.
• The New York Times reports that Democrats in particular have been critical of the NBC deal. Among them, the Washington Post reports that former NBC star and current Senator Al Franken said NBC can’t be trusted. But the Post also reports that Pittsburgh’s mayor, among other local leaders, encouraged their congressional members to support the deal.

Below, why some say the Comcast-NBC deal would ruin Web video, Brian Roberts makes a promise about layoffs and More.

MIGHT BE WORTH YOUR TIME

• The Business Insider reports that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts pledged that there will be “no massive layoffs” if he secured majority ownership of NBC. Read Roberts’s prepared testimony here. In questioning, the Business Insider also reports, Comcast and NBC executives refused to promise whether cable fees would go up or not if the deal went through.
• The Business Insider also reports that during the hearings the deal was criticized for likely limiting innovation on the Web around video.

GIVE A GLANCE

• The Boston Globe reports that Comcast’s recently debuted xfinity is another battleground with Verizon.
• Philly Tech News rounds up other news surrounding the xfinity brand launch.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST

Every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST, find all the stories you need to know about your friendly telecommunications giant in the Comcast Roundup. Get an e-mail subscription for our Comcast news updates.

DEFINITE READS

• USA Today reports that Hulu executives are likely eager to start experimenting with paid version of the popular video streaming site but must wait for the finalized result of Comcast’s deal with NBC, which owns nearly a third of the site.
• The Washington Post reports that today the congressional hearings on the Comcast-NBC deal have begun.
• paidContent reports on Democratic staff memos that discuss, ahead of today’s congressional hearings on the matter, the impact the merger has to “fundamentally shape the way Web video evolves.”

• The Post also reports that Comcast has “blanketed Capitol Hill” with its take that its deal for NBC Universal won’t harm consumers or competitors, sort of like what David Cohen wrote on the company blog.
• Additionally, The Post writes on the consumer advocate who will represent the public in today’s two hearings on the merger.
• Gigaom says that 2010 is the year that Comcast “embraces convergence.”

MIGHT BE WORTH YOUR TIME

• Multichannel News profiles Comcast’s trilingual VP of Video Content Diana Wechsler Kerekes.
• Peter Key of the Philadelphia Business Journal says that Comcast officially unveiling its product tier under the xfinity brand reminds him of what Verizon FiOS stands for.
• The Inquirer’s Bob Fernandez reports on the opponents of the merger. David Cohen gives his take on the company blog.
• DiStefano also reports on anti-Google activist and telecom analyst who unites Verizon and Comcast in the struggle against the search behemoth.

GIVE A GLANCE

• The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Comcast’s 4Q beat its 2008 and analysts estimates.
• The Inquirer’s Mike Armstrong reports that Comcast and Sunoco both were Center City companies whose earnings were worth following.
• The Inquirer’s Joe DiStefano reports that Comcast and TimeWarner are beating up on Verizon and AT&T in terms of user acquisition.
• Philly Tech News reports that Comcast has agreed to acquire VoIP provider New Global Telecom. Cable Digital News confirms it. H/T PTN
• The Comcast blog goes into the dirty details of its transition from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) addresses, such as 192.168.1.1. to IPv6.
• The Economist podcast touches on Comcast in its social networking report, calling the telecommunications giant “both a plumber and supplier of water” and discussing whether it’s a model for media companies in the future. Listen below, skipping to 7:56 below.

When there is just too much Comcast news to follow, the Comcast Roundup will be there every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. EST