MIRAMAR, Fla.—Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo Station Group have announced that they are working with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Soccer Forward Foundation to award $600,000 in Vamos World Cup Initiative grants to 17 nonprofits that use soccer to create opportunity, build leadership and move communities forward. The program aims to build on the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.

Through the Vamos World Cup Initiative, two local nonprofits located in each of the eight FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities served by Telemundo-owned stations, along with national organization Soccer Without Borders, are receiving funds to support activities aligned with Soccer Forward’s mission to promote physical and mental well-being, strengthen local connections, and expand participation through soccer.

“Comcast NBCUniversal and our Telemundo-owned stations are committed to serving our communities, so we’re honored to work with organizations that share our mission and demonstrate how soccer can enrich lives as the sport takes center stage nationwide,” said José Cancela, president of Telemundo Station Group. “We’re proud to make these grants possible, and to partner with Soccer Forward to support those using soccer for good.”

The grants are facilitated by Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s legacy platform and the driving force behind its efforts to expand access and strengthen communities through the game, with Comcast NBCUniversal funding. The Telemundo-owned stations will partner with the local nonprofits in their respective markets to spotlight grant recipients and amplify their impact through media coverage and community engagement events leading up to and during FIFA World Cup 2026.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is more than a tournament, it’s a catalyst for an enduring impact-driven legacy,” said Lex Chalat, executive director, Soccer Forward Foundation. “By working with Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo Station Group, we’re able to invest in the organizations that will carry the game’s impact forward long after the final match. These grants reflect Soccer Forward’s commitment to ensure 2026 leaves a meaningful legacy, with the goals to expanding access, empowering young leaders, and strengthening communities in every host city.”

The local nonprofits and their in-market partner Telemundo-owned stations, which are part of Telemundo Station Group, serve the following cities hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches: New York (Telemundo 47 / WNJU), Los Angeles (Telemundo 52 / KVEA), Philadelphia (Telemundo62 / WWSI), Dallas (Telemundo 39 / KXTX), Houston (Telemundo Houston / KTMD), San Francisco (Telemundo 48 / KSTS), Boston (Telemundo Boston / WNEU), and Miami (Telemundo 51 / WSCV).

The Vamos World Cup Initiative Grants are part of Telemundo’s community initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders through the transformative power of sport. Anchored in Telemundo’s exclusive Spanish-language coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the initiative creates access, opportunity and mentorship experiences that help young people turn their passion into purpose. The initiative builds on Telemundo’s commitment to ensuring the FIFA World Cup 2026 leaves a lasting impact beyond the pitch in the communities hosting the tournament.

NEW YORK—Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local have announced that a total of $2.5 million has been awarded in 2025 to 69 nonprofit organizations servicing one of the 11 markets in the U.S. where the NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations operate.

Since the initiative was started in 2018, the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants has provided $21 million to 615 nonprofit organizations.

“Local nonprofits are essential to our communities, and provide so many of the meaningful services and support that would otherwise be unavailable to our friends, neighbors and loved ones,” said Valari Staab, chairman, NBCUniversal Local. “We are proud to invest in these tremendous organizations and help advance their important missions, and we are thankful to Comcast NBCUniversal for making this program possible.”

For the eighth year, the competitive grant challenge is awarding unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in local communities. Applications were accepted in three categories: youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement. The 2025 application window for 501(c)(3) nonprofits was March 11 through April 11.

“The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants help nonprofits build on the work they’re already doing, whether it’s educating and empowering youth, developing the next generation of talent, or fostering community engagement,” said Jessica Clancy, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility, NBCUniversal. “This year’s grants continue our focus on supporting organizations that are deeply connected to their communities and uniquely positioned to create lasting impact.”

Nonprofits receiving funds serve communities in the following NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets: New York (WNBC, WNJU), Los Angeles (KNBC, KVEA), Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS), Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI), Dallas (KXAS, KXTX), Boston (WBTS, WNEU), Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC), San Francisco (KNTV, KSTS), Miami (WTVJ, WSCV), San Diego (KNSD, KUAN) and Hartford, Conn. (WVIT, WRDM).

For more information on the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants, visit localimpactgrants.com and the Spanish-language becasdeimpactolocal.com.

The full list of recipients is available here.

NEW YORK AND CULVER CITY—Comcast NBCUniversal and Amazon have announced new and extended distribution agreements that will expand the content available on their various distribution platforms, including Prime Video, Fire TV, Xfinity X1 and Xumo.

As a result of the deals, customers will be able to subscribe and access Peacock Premium Plus, the streaming service’s ad-free experience, as a subscription via Prime Video for $16.99 per month and $169.99 per year.

The companies also renewed several existing distribution deals that will enable customers to continue to access Peacock on Fire TV; buy and rent films from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on Prime Video; and watch Prime Video on Xfinity X1 devices.

The deals highlight the growing complexity of the streaming landscape with companies like Comcast and Amazon providing both streaming services and distribution platforms.

“This multi-faceted set of agreements is a testament to our close collaboration with Amazon, delivering significant value across our businesses and expanding exposure of our world-class content,” said Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation. “Millions of Amazon customers can continue to enjoy NBCUniversal’s popular shows, films, and live events on Peacock via Fire TV or through Prime Video Subscriptions, or buying or renting on Prime Video, while also accessing Amazon’s premier entertainment on Xfinity X1 — ensuring they can watch what they love, wherever and however they choose.”

“At Amazon, we are always working to make customers’ lives better every day and these new agreements with Comcast NBCU are fantastic for millions of customers, who are looking for the fastest and easiest way to find all their entertainment and sports in one place,” said Mike Hopkins, head of prime video and Amazon MGM Studios. “Adding Peacock to our growing list of subscriptions – while renewing our long-standing agreements for Fire TV, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, and Xfinity X1 – deepens an incredible working relationship with Comcast/NBCU, and we look forward to a future of mutual distribution that benefits our shared customers.”

More specifically, beginning on August 28, Amazon customers will be able to sign up for Peacock Premium Plus ad free tier as a subscription for $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year. Premium Plus is Peacock’s ad-free experience, which also offers customers the ability to download certain content for offline viewing and access to live, local NBC channels.

Peacock joins Prime Video’s extensive collection of more than 100 subscription options in the U.S., which are available for customers alongside Amazon MGM Original films and series; the world’s leading selection of movies and series to buy or rent; live sports including Thursday Night Football, NBA, WNBA, NASCAR, and NWSL, as well as hundreds of FAST channels.

In addition, a new multi-year renewal agreement ensures that the Peacock app remains available to Fire TV customers in the U.S. and films from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will continue to be available to buy and rent on Prime Video’s TVOD store.

The agreements also provide distribution for Prime Video on Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xumo, Comcast's streaming joint venture with Charter.

Xfinity TV customers will continue to receive seamless access to Prime Video’s extensive library of premium shows, movies, live sports, subscriptions and FAST channels, directly through Comcast’s Xfinity X1 platform and the Xumo streambox as part of a multi-year renewal.

Customers will also be able to continue to search for Prime Video content using Comcast’s Xfinity Voice Remote.

Finally, Comcast’s Sky will provide access to Prime Video on Sky devices across its footprint in Europe. Sky Sports fans in Germany also can now access Sky Deutschland’s premium live sports offering, WOW Live Sports, directly through the Prime Video app as a subscription.

DALLAS—Comcast NBCUniversal has announced that once again, service members and honorably discharged Veterans worldwide will enjoy free access to NBCUniversal’s full coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

To provide the access Comcast has partnered with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to provide the access to personal devices and computers through ShopMyExchange.com. The Paris Olympics take place July 26 to Aug. 11.

More than 5,000 hours of the Paris Olympics will be available to U.S. service members and honorably discharged Veterans. Throughout the Games, the comprehensive offering features live competition across all 39 sports and all 329 medal events, top stories and moments, as well as live streams of select practice and warm-up sessions and extensive video content including event recaps, highlights, viral moments, interviews and more.

“We value our relationship with Comcast NBCUniversal and are thrilled to once again be able to team with them to bring the Olympic Games to service members and their families, wherever they are called to serve,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “The Olympics are one of the biggest events in the world, and we’re excited to play a role in helping our military community cheer on Team USA.”

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with The Exchange for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. It’s our privilege to provide unprecedented access to this historic event to U.S. military service members and veterans, where the world's greatest athletes will compete against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” – Mona Dexter, vice president of military and veteran affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal.

Service members can access NBCUniversal’s coverage from their computers or personal devices by visiting NBCOlympics.com (desktop) and the NBC Sports App (U.S. only) and choosing the Exchange as their service provider.

Because of content rights restrictions, an active ShopMyExchange.com account is required. OCONUS viewers must also be physically located on-installation at a military location with internet service through an authorized internet service provider to gain access. Authorized providers have partnered with the Exchange on technical solutions to allow streaming on U.S. military installations in OCONUS. They include: 101 GLOBAL, Allied Telesis, Americable, Babtel, Basefix, Boingo, DHI/TravelWiFi, DSN, LG Uplus, Mediatti Broadband, Solutions by STC, Telecom Italia, TKS and US Wicom. 

Additional information is available on the Exchange’s online community Hub at ShopMyExchange.com/community. 

PHILADELPHIA—Comcast is reporting that it has reduced the electricity it takes to deliver each byte of data across its network by 36% since 2019. The efficiency gains have been achieved through a reduction in total energy use across network facilities and operations while at the same time delivering more data, faster broadband speeds, and greater reliability, the company said. 

More specifically, Comcast decreased the electricity per consumed byte from 21.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per terabyte (TB) in 2019 to 13.6 kWh/TB in 2022. Ongoing investments in innovation, software, AI, and other virtual and physical critical infrastructure require less hardware, less space, and less energy per byte than previous technologies.

“We’re energized by the progress we’ve made on the path to a greener, cleaner internet,” said Charlie Herrin, president of the Technology, Product, Experience organization within Comcast Cable. “These efficiency gains are a critical part of our plan to grow the Xfinity 10G Network more sustainably.”

Last year Comcast announced plans to double network energy efficiency by 2030, cutting the electricity per consumed byte of data in half. Comcast estimates this will avoid the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power half a million homes for a year.

“The network has an essential role to play for the planet,” Herrin added. “We’re committed to innovating in ways that serve our customers and society. Driving energy efficiency across the business and sourcing more clean and renewable electricity are paramount to achieving our climate goals.”

Comcast has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, or the direct and indirect emissions it owns and controls, across its global operations. With purchased electricity accounting for the majority of its emissions, Comcast is investing in clean, renewable energy to power its network and operations, as well as shifting to newer, more energy-efficient technologies and facilities to deliver more data with less energy per byte.

The company also explained that its multi-year nationwide network transformation to virtual, cloud-based technologies will it achieve long-term gains for energy efficiency. Once fully deployed, the new virtualized platform will also offer faster broadband speeds, greater reliability, and improved energy efficiency.

For more information on Comcast’s environmental efforts, visit the environment page at Comcast.com.

PHILADELPHIA—Comcast NBCUniversal and the Universal Orlando Foundation have announced that they will donate $2 million to support relief and recovery efforts in Florida following the catastrophic flooding and devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. 

The commitment includes $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions to the Florida Disaster Fund with the remainder distributed among the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Assistance Fund, United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Team Rubicon, and American Red Cross.

Universal Orlando is donating food in partnership with local organizations. 

NBCUniversal, Telemundo, and NBC/Telemundo owned TV stations in Florida have also launched a donation and awareness campaign to encourage contributions and support impacted communities.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Florida, including thousands of severely affected employees and customers, during this most challenging time,” said Christine Whitaker, central division president for Comcast Cable. “In this moment, having reliable Internet and mobile connectivity is critical. We are grateful for our teammates who are working around the clock alongside emergency personnel to rebuild and restore these vital connections for Floridian homes, businesses, and communities across the state.”

Ahead of Hurricane Ian making landfall last week, Comcast opened its network of more than 200,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers, for free. 

Where commercial power and Xfinity services have been restored, these hotspots remain open to assist residents, businesses, and relief workers in staying connected. In addition, Xfinity has created an On Demand destination where customers can access the latest recovery and response news on X1 and Flex – simply say “Hurricane Ian” into the Xfinity Voice Remote, the company reported. 

Through the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Disaster Assistance Fund, the company is providing grants to employees in need as well as matching employee donations to eligible nonprofit disaster relief organizations through the Comcast NBCUniversal Matching Gift Program, the company said. 

LOS GATOS, Calif.—Comcast NBCUniversal is trying to flex its muscles, according to Roku, which claims that NBCU is demanding that Roku carry the Peacock streaming service at what it describes as “unreasonable” terms or risk losing other NBCU TV Everywhere apps.

This comes from an email that Roku sent to customers explaining the dispute and how they can still access NBCU programming, acquired by TVT’s sister publication B+C.

NBCU, however, released a statement blaming Roku and slapping the “unreasonable” claim on them.

“We are disappointed Roku is removing its users’ access to NBCUniversal programming … and continues to block access the only [sic] free premium streaming service available in the market, Peacock,” NBCU said.

According to B+C, sources familiar with the situation said that a deal was close last week, NBCU says that Roku sought additional conditions.

If the dispute continues, B+C reports that Comcast plans to revoke consumers’ access to NBC TV Everywhere apps as soon as Friday, while Roku users could impose a blackout by Saturday, meaning the loss of access to NBC Sports content this weekend that includes Sunday Night Football, U.S. Open golf and the Stanley Cup Final.

For more information, visit TVT’s sister publication B+C.

The American Cable Association has called on the Justice Department to open an antitrust investigation into Comcast-NBCUniversal. It would be a way to keep Justice overseeing the company after the conditions it imposed on the merger expired earlier this year. ACA is saying the government still needs a leash on the company, rather than unleash. The ACA said the problems Justice saw in 2011 when it imposed the conditions are still problems.

Comcast-NBCU said the ACA's call is meritless and "constitutes an inappropriate attempt to gain leverage in the commercial marketplace."

But President Donald Trump, who is no fan of NBC News or most big media companies with news operations that have reported critically on him, took note of the ACA letter in a tweet:

ACA was not complaining about the additional spotlight, thanking the President for his input. A spokesman for the group said they did not know how the President became aware of the letter, though his tweet came after it was reported by Multichannel News and others.

ACA wanted Justice to extend the conditions, but that didn't happen, though antitrust chief Makan Delrahim has signaled that one of the reasons he favors spin-offs over behavioral conditions like those put on the merger is that it is hard to enforce them. He also said Justice would keep an eye on the company now that the conditions have sunsetted. But ACA suggests it needs to do more than monitor to keep the company in line, plus monitoring alone may not be enough to protect the rivals who have information about the company's business practices that they want to share.

ACA also asked the FCC to toughen its program access rules given that the conditions were going away, but the FCC has not done so.

ACA has long complained that large program suppliers force bundled carriage and impose unfair terms due to their size and market power on the smaller entities it represents.

"By opening a formal investigation, the DOJ will demonstrate seriousness of purpose and give it the ability to collect sufficient information to determine whether Comcast-NBC is acting anticompetitively," ACA said.

ACA's letter seeking the investigation was addressed to Delrahim and offered ACA's cooperation, including providing some info on Comcast-NBCU's business practices. ACA has long said the merged company has the incentive and opportunity, and willingness, to inflict anticompetitive harms given its size relative to the smaller cable and broadband operators ACA represents.

"NBCU has shown a willingness to harm rivals, even while being subject to the 2011 DOJ and FCC conditions," said ACA President Matt Polka. "In light of these concerns, which also have been expressed by members of Congress and a diverse array of stakeholders, the Antitrust Division should immediately open an investigation into the firm’s behavior."

In 2011, the DOJ and FCC recognized that the combination of programming and distribution assets within Comcast-NBCU created such serious competitive problems that the transaction could only be approved with robust remedies. Since that time, as demonstrated herein, Comcast-NBCU’s dominant position in the market has not lessened, and in fact, it is even greater-and the 2011 remedies are no longer in effect. As a result, Comcast-NBCU is unleashed, and consumer and rivals are bound to suffer harm."

"The video programming and distribution markets are incredibly competitive," Comcast countered in a statement. "New programmers and distribution platforms are offering consumers increasing choices on what and where to watch. At Comcast NBCUniversal, we are competing in this dynamic environment the way we always have – by continuing to innovate and conducting our business in compliance with antitrust laws and other legal requirements. Among other things, Comcast Cable has brought Netflix and YouTube to our X1 platform. And NBCUniversal has provided content to Hulu, Netflix, and hundreds of other traditional and over-the-top providers."

One of Delrahim's big issues with the AT&T-Time Warner deal, which Justice sued to block because AT&T would not agree to spin-offs rather than behavioral conditions, is that he saw it as incentive and opportunity for that merged company to disadvantage over-the-top rivals by limiting their access to either the company's programming or distribution network.

WASHINGTON—The merger between Comcast and NBC Universal has come in the cross hairs of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who penned a letter last week to the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division to take a closer look at the merger and whether or not it fairly promotes competition.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal

The Comcast-NBCU merger was originally proposed in 2011 but was given conditions that are set to expire in September 2018. Blumenthal writes that even despite these conditions, the acquisition has been criticized by experts that is has caused anticompetitive harm. Blumenthal calls on the DOJ to open an investigation into complaints lobbied against the Comcast-NBCU merger to determine if the acquisition can be allowed to stand without the conditions that currently govern it. Blumenthal also asks that the U.S. District Court for D.C. leave the original conditions on the merger, as the court has the power to extend or modify the conditions.

“Given your responsibilities as head of the Antitrust Division to enforce our nation’s antitrust laws, it is incumbent on you to continue to ensure that Comcast’s acquisition of NBCU does not undermine free and fair competition,” Blumenthal wrote.

Some of the key provisions highlighted by Blumenthal in the restrictions is the anti-retaliation provisions, which require Comcast and NBCU not to discriminate against certain type of competitors. The senator also asked that these provisions be expanded by the D.C. District Court to cover competitors that would have been protected from retaliation under conditions overseen by the FCC; those conditions are scheduled to sunset on Jan. 20, 2018.

The FCC’s reversal of net neutrality rules could also play a part in competition on the internet, according to Blumenthal. He writes that the new rule could allow Comcast-NBCU to discriminate against online video distributors.

Depending on the results of the proposed investigation, Blumenthal says that the DOJ would need to consider breaking up the Comcast-NBCU merger altogether to fully restore competition.