Comcast accuses Netflix, Discovery of extortion over proposed merger

Comcast is accusing Netflix and Discovery Communications, among others, of using extortion to oppose its proposed $45 billion dollar merger with Time Warner Cable.

In an FCC filing released this morning, Comcast alleges that companies made offers to trade political support for the merger in exchange for “self interested requests” from the cable giant. Comcast specifically names Netflix, Discovery and DISH Network as having engaged in these negotiations.