7th Circuit Misunderstands Ad Interconnects, NCTA Says

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals didn't understand advertising interconnects in reversing lower court dismissal of antitrust claims against Comcast (see 2002260020), suggesting those operated by a participating MVPD are noncompetitive, said NCTA. Its amicus brief (docket 18-2852, in Pacer) Tuesday supported Comcast's rehearing/en banc request. The decision "could threaten the continued viability of interconnects," with other courts deeming them anti-competitive "even though there is no evidentiary -- or even sound theoretical -- basis for that," the association said. The Washington Legal Foundation said Comcast "had no reason to aggressively enter the ad-rep market as an anticompetitive predator -- and every reason to step forth as a procompetitive low-cost producer." Outside counsel for plaintiff Viamedia didn't comment Wednesday.