Philanthropy Woven Into Comcast’s Push on Time Warner Deal

Comcast’s financial support of major nonprofits serving minority groups could play in role in the telecommunications giant’s efforts to secure regulatory approval for a blockbuster merger with Time Warner Cable, according to The New York Times.

Comcast’s foundation has given millions of dollars since 2004 to national and regional black, Latino, and Asian organizations. Many of the groups publicly backed the firm’s 2010 union with NBCUniversal. Hours after the proposed $45-billion Time Warner deal was announced last week, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce issued a statement of support.

Such relationships have drawn fire from watchdog groups. David L. Cohen, who oversees Comcast’s government-affairs operations and helps lead its foundation, rejected the notion that the company’s giving is aimed at “buying off support” for its business dealings. Comcast has been recognized for promoting diversity in its workplaces and programming, and recipient groups said the firm has funded efforts to improve economic conditions for minorities.