Comcast Gets U.S. Approval to Buy Control of NBC

Comcast Corp.’s proposed merger with NBC Universal won approval from U.S. regulators, clearing the way for the largest U.S. cable company to combine with a national broadcaster.

The Federal Communications Commission approved the transaction on a 4-1 vote, and the Justice Department followed with its acceptance of the deal, according to e-mailed statements from the agencies today. Comcast is to acquire 51 percent of a joint venture that includes NBC Universal and parts of Comcast by contributing $13.8 billion in cash and assets.