History of Comcast. How a Modest Cable Company Became a Media Giant

fot. Mike Mozart • CC BY 2.0 • Wikimedia

In the 2023 ranking of the world`s 100 largest media companies, Comcast ranked third, just behind Alphabet and Meta Platforms. When it was founded in 1963, it had only 1,200 customers, but Ralph J. Roberts, then the owner of a men`s goods company, took a bold risk. He bet on cable television and set out to build a corporation on a global scale.

Roberts was born on March 13, 1920, in New York City to a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants who owned a chain of pharmacies. When he was 5 years old, the Roberts family moved to New Rochelle, New York. Seven years later, Ralph and his siblings said a final goodbye to their father, who died of a heart attack, and moved with their mother to Germantown, near Philadelphia. Soon after, Mrs. Sara Roberts remarried, choosing Harry Bobrow, the owner of a cigar factory, as her new husband.

The affluent parents spared no expense on their children`s education, and after graduating from high school, Ralph continued his studies at the Wharton School (business school) at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his degree in 1941 and decided to join the Navy, as the war was ongoing. A year later, in August, he started a family. He married Suzanne Fleisher, with whom he spent nearly 70 years and had five children.

From Golf Clubs to a Small Cable Company

When the war ended, so did Roberts` military service. Despite having a degree, he struggled to find a suitable job. Starting in 1946, he produced and sold golf clubs, but by 1950, he was promoting music at Muzak Company. He settled down longer at Pioneer Suspender Company, a men`s goods firm, becoming its owner in 1956. Five years later, he decided to change industries. He sold Pioneer to a competitor to start anew, this time in cable television.

In 1963, with Julian A. Brodsky and Daniel Aaron, they invested $500,000 in a small cable operator in Tupelo, Mississippi. They bought American Cable Systems, a company spun off from Jerrold Electronics. At the time, ACS had five channels and 1,200 subscribers.

For the next few years, the trio of friends worked tirelessly to expand their company, increasing its reach, range, and branding. The hard work paid off. In 1965, ACS acquired a marketing company called Storecast Corporation of America, aimed at helping food manufacturers promote their products in supermarkets. Three years later, Roberts acquired Muzak, the company where he had previously worked.


American Cable Systems quickly became a popular business. Since it existed before Roberts and his friends took over, they decided to make a fresh start. On March 5, 1969, they re-registered the company as COMCAST CORPORATION. Ralph came up with the name by combining the words communications and broadcasting. This marked the beginning of the largest media corporation in the United States.

The Media Giant Takes Its First Steps

The three owners were graduates of Wharton School but did not know each other at that time. Ralph and Julian enlisted in the military at the same time. After returning, Brodsky completed an accounting course and handled finances at William E. Howe and Company, one of Roberts` clients. This is how they met.

Brodsky’s clients also included representatives of emerging cable television companies. This field caught both men`s interest. Meanwhile, Daniel Aaron, Roberts` acquaintance, worked for Jerrold Electronics. He had received the job offer while working as a journalist for Philadelphia’s The Bulletin, after writing an article about the company. Since Aaron had an economics background, he willingly took on the role of preparing financial reports.

When Roberts decided to change industries in 1961, he discussed it with his two friends. They made the decision to start their own business, and all three knew exactly which field to choose.

They also knew who would hold which position. Each became a director: Roberts as CEO, Brodsky as CFO, and Aaron as Head of Advertising and Marketing. Aaron also served as the "brake" on the ambitions of the other two. They were described as:

"A trio driving a car, with Brodsky stepping on the gas, raising the capital needed for expansion, Aaron keeping a foot on the brake to ensure effective operations, and Roberts holding the wheel as CEO."

Roberts was a natural businessman. Buying and selling was his element, but cable television in the early 1960s did not work that way. Yet Ralph had a strategic mind and a sense of timing, so he decided to change the approach. The beginnings, however, were not easy.

Aggressive Promotion: Discounts? Even Half Price!

With American Cable Systems, the directors inherited a team of five employees, including Frank Haley and his wife Thelma, who were cable television veterans. The trio learned the basics from them - how to lay cables, what to look out for during installation, and which materials to choose. Over time, technical issues were joined by those related to channel and program selection.

The entire team of seven, including the secretary, crowded into a single 80-square-meter office in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. This situation lasted until May 1965, but no one minded, as Roberts and Aaron were out in the field, acquiring more small companies, mainly through franchises. Back then, it wasn’t easy, as the local residents decided in a vote who would receive their cable company. Ralph and Dan befriended local officials, and if things didn’t go their way, they took action on the spot. One such case occurred in Meridian, where they aimed to secure a franchise. Someone else won the vote, so Roberts immediately signed a contract with that person on slightly better terms.

In the following months, they secured more franchises in Laurel and West Point, building an entire system. They signed agreements with TV retailers and organized trade fairs in large cities, where people could see the wonders of technology - latest receivers and, at the same time, subscribe to Comcast channels with appropriate promotions, sometimes offering discounts up to 50%. Aaron, responsible for advertising, excelled at it. New contractors, advertisers, and most importantly, subscribers joined, and the company grew.

When they bought Muzak in 1968, a fourth director joined the trio - Roberts` older brother, Joe, who served as vice president of the music company. He took charge of Starcast and Muzak, operating independently from his brother’s cable television business. By 1969, ACS managed the following:

• International Equity Corporation
• Muzak Division
• Storecast Division
• Cable operations in Mississippi
• 20,000 subscribers
• Unbuilt franchises in the Philadelphia suburbs
• Philadelphia franchise
• Management contract for Sarasota

Already branded as Comcast, in 1971 they acquired two large companies: Westmoreland Cable Company, with the fledgling HBO, and Flint, owned by Michigan attorney Ted Lamb. This purchase allowed the company to go public on June 29, 1972, on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ) under the symbol CMCSA, raising the number of subscribers to about 50,000.

HBO? Five Days Free

The directors did not rest on their laurels. Aaron managed operations and acquisitions, which became increasingly frequent. He built new networks and systems. Brodsky oversaw finances, implemented his own projects, and supported his colleagues` initiatives. In 1973, Joe Roberts propelled Music Network to the top position among independent Muzak operators in the group of 10 major marketing areas.

However, the brightest star in the Comcast constellation was Ralph Roberts. He was an excellent boss, a good colleague, and a dedicated friend. He cared about employees and their families, showing great humility along with passion and visionary projects that brought significant profits.

Comcast continued to grow. Not only did it lay new cables and reach new subscribers, but it also acquired more companies and formed partnerships with major networks like Cox, Disney Channel, and TCI. More channels appeared, offering attractive movies, news, and educational content. Viewers, especially in areas not directly covered by major stations, praised cable television and its creators.

In 1977, Comcast introduced the HBO movie channel to nearly 20,000 customers in western Pennsylvania. The program was available for free for five days. After the trial period, 3,000 subscription packages were ordered, which was an impressive result.


The thriving company became a dream destination for young, ambitious individuals looking to develop their skills in various business sectors. The management eagerly hired young talents to train and integrate them into the team. Among many volunteers, Ralph’s son, Brian, had his first internship in 1974 while still in high school. He worked at Storecast, promoting products in supermarkets. A year later, he trained as a cable installer. His duties included cable installation in homes, service operations, and climbing utility poles.

In 1981, after completing his studies, he secured a full-time internship at the Trenton system. The following year, as part of further training, he moved to Flint, where he was responsible for marketing and customer service. In 1983, he became the general manager of the Trenton system. In 1984, he joined the corporate directors as vice president of cable TV operations. Six years later, he succeeded his father as president of Comcast.

The First Million Subscribers

The 1980s were very lucrative for Comcast. The number of acquired companies grew, and in 1986, when they purchased a 26% stake in Group W Cable, Inc., the company doubled in size, reaching 1.2 million subscribers. That same year, the corporation incorporated the QVC television network and shopping channel. Two years later, Comcast acquired Storer Communications, surpassing the milestone of two million customers and ranking fifth among national cable companies. The corporation also expanded internationally, including to the United Kingdom.

With such high profits, the company could afford a new headquarters. In 1989, they moved from the famous and constantly expanding Bala Cynwyd to One Meridian Plaza in Center City. Comcast`s success was largely due to its owners, who were not only creative and resourceful but also able to anticipate and make the right decisions.

Aaron was not only a member of Cable Television Pioneers but also served on the board of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), even chairing the organization at one point. He was also the creator of multi-theme platforms that combined movies, sports, science, and cooking programs on one channel - a model that proved to be a hundred percent successful. Comcast first applied this model in the late 1970s and early 1980s, achieving undeniable success.

It is also said that thanks to Aaron and his efforts, Congress passed the Cable Act in 1984, regulating the principles and functioning of the Cable Television Bureau.

Ralph Roberts, who devoted his heart to the company, served on the boards of various organizations not necessarily related to cable television, including cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Brandywine River Museum.

He was the face of Comcast, and since his wife was a TV presenter, he often took part in her shows. Both privately and through the company, he was involved in charity work. He established The Comcast Fund, a foundation that supports innovative ideas and research in technology and public policy.

Brodsky, a finance expert, participated in numerous acquisitions. Like Roberts, he was a visionary. He had a business sense and could foresee profits, although there were losses too, like in 1985 when he tried to buy part of Storer Communications.

He was an outstanding mentor and teacher. It was Brodsky who prepared Brian Roberts to take over his father`s position, and he was the first to foresee the development of mobile telephony and the internet. He pushed for the acquisition of American Cellular Network Corporation (AMCELL), which materialized in 1988. His initiative led to the creation of Comcast Cellular Communication, making the company a mobile network operator for the first time. Four years later, in 1992, Comcast acquired a controlling stake in Metrophone from Metromedia.

Generational Change

In 1994, Comcast acquired a 50% stake in the telecommunications company Garden State Cable, gaining an additional 195,000 subscribers. When the purchase of the American division of Maclean-Hunter was finalized the same year, Comcast became the third-largest cable operator in the United States, with 3.5 million subscribers. The following year, the number grew by nearly a million, and the company acquired EW Scripps Company.

The year 1990 brought some changes to the company. Thirty-year-old Brian Roberts became president, and Daniel Aaron retired. Ten years earlier, he had been diagnosed with Parkinson`s disease. To help patients who couldn’t afford treatment, he established the Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center at Pennsylvania Hospital. Although he left his position, he remained on the company`s board. He officially departed in 1997. In 2001, he published his memoir, Take the Measure of the Man, and a year later, he was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame, honoring leaders and innovators in the cable and telecommunications industry. He was also a recipient of the 1987 NCTA Distinguished Vanguard Award for Leadership and numerous other accolades. He passed away on February 20, 2003, at the age of 77.

A generational shift began at Comcast. Although Brian took command of the company, Ralph continued to visit the office daily. However, the son did not succumb to his father`s influence. He began to push his own ideas and projects, signaling a change not only in company management but also in its direction.

Until then, the focus had been on cable infrastructure, TV installation, and transmitting existing programs. Brian started looking for a channel or studio capable of producing original programming. The first major investment of this kind occurred in 1991 when Joseph E. Gibbs from Birmingham, Alabama, approached several cable providers, including Comcast, with a project for a 24-hour sports channel dedicated to golf. The idea was well received, and Comcast became the primary investor (along with six partners) in The Golf Channel.

The First Step Towards New Dreams

The preparation phase took a bit longer than expected. It was announced in February 1993, with a premiere planned for May 1994. In the end, it launched on January 17, 1995, and achieved tremendous success. In 2003, Comcast became the full owner of the channel, buying shares from individual shareholders. Today, The Golf Channel belongs to NBCUniversal, which is part of Comcast.


Once the first step toward dreaming of change was taken, Roberts and Brodsky made the second one - entering the internet. Brodsky quickly realized the potential of this technological breakthrough. He organized Internet Day at corporate offices to showcase the possibilities of the system and convince skeptics. Roberts did not take long to agree, and in December 1996, he introduced the first broadband product, the Comcast@Home cable modem. The new service debuted simultaneously in Baltimore (Maryland) and Sarasota (Florida). A year later, Microsoft invested a billion dollars in Comcast, and the corporation launched digital television.

Before the internet launch, Comcast and businessman Ed Snider founded a sports company called Comcast-Spectacor in 1996. It owned the NHL`s Philadelphia Flyers and NBA`s Philadelphia 76ers, gaining access to hundreds of entertainment venues nationwide. Philadelphia also received its own sports channel, Comcast SportsNet.

The final years of the old century were busy for Comcast representatives. Some subsidiaries were sold, others acquired. Investments were made, and setbacks occurred. New channels were launched, while unprofitable ones were shut down.

• Collaboration with The Walt Disney Company and acquisition of 50.1% of E! Entertainment (1997)
• Acquisition of Jones Intercable, Inc., and stakes in Prime Communication (1997)
• Sale of the British division (February 1998)
• Launch of the fashion and design channel Style Network (1998)
• Sale of Comcast Cellular (1999)
• Acquisition of Greater Philadelphia Cablevision (1999)
• Launch of Comcast University (1999)
• Failed merger with MediaOne
• Cooperation agreement with telecommunications company AT&T (1999)
• Julian Brodsky established Comcast Interactive Capital Group to invest in new technologies and the internet (1999)
• Purchase of Lenfest Communication (November 1999)

Entering the new century, the corporation had 6 million subscribers, ranking third among cable TV operators.

Number 1 Achieved

Although Ralph Roberts parted ways with the company completely in 1997, he remained active in the cable field. For his work and contributions, he was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame, and a year later, in 2001, he received the William Penn Award from the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Two years later, Julian Brodsky also entered the Cable Hall of Fame.

In 2001, Comcast also established an annual tradition known as Comcast Cares Day. On this day, company employees volunteer to give back to their communities as a way of showing gratitude to their customers. Festivities, workshops, sports games, and even building renovations are organized. This day serves as the culmination of various projects that often take months to complete.

- We strongly believe that corporations have a duty to give back to the communities where their employees and customers live and work, as well as to collaborate with local authorities, organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen our communities - said David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer.

Meanwhile, after the failed merger with MediaOne, caused by AT&T, Brian Roberts, with Microsoft`s support, won the bid for the cable TV division that a major competitor wanted to offload. By acquiring AT&T Broadband, Comcast gained 13 million subscribers, bringing the total to 21.4 million, making the company the largest cable TV provider in the United States.

Ambitious Plans to Acquire Disney

Leveraging AT&T`s foundation, the company adopted the name Comcast Spotlight, later rebranded as A Comcast Company. At the same time, Brian Roberts was appointed CEO (2002). The streak of successful acquisitions and transactions continued for the next two years:

• Launch of G4, a network focused on video games (2002)
• Introduction of high-definition television (HDTV) (2002)
• Promotion of Comcast High-Speed Internet (2002)
• Launch of Video On Demand - watching shows on demand (2003)
• Creation of TVOne, an African American television network, a joint venture between Radio One and Comcast (2003)
• Launch of a digital video recorder (DVR) (2003)
• Launch of the Comcast.net email service (2003)
• Premiere of The Fan, a broadband multimedia player (2003)

Encouraged by success, Roberts, who became company president in January 2004, set his sights on acquiring Disney in February. The proposed deal was worth $66 billion, but neither Disney’s owners nor Comcast shareholders approved the idea. In April, Roberts withdrew the offer. However, exactly one year later, in April 2005, he completed the acquisition, together with Time Warner, of Adelphia Communications, the fifth-largest cable company in the country, which had gone bankrupt. Comcast gained another 1.8 million subscribers.

After the failed Disney acquisition, Roberts compensated by acquiring TechTV Inc. and merging it with G4 into a single network. Charles Hirschhorn, founder of G4, said:

- This merger is a win for G4, a win for TechTV, and a win for our advertising and affiliate partners. The result will be a compelling television channel that showcases the fun and entertaining side of games and technology with the distribution needed to achieve broad interest.

And that’s exactly what happened. The channel reached 44 million viewers nationwide. Also in 2004, Comcast launched the Home Networking service, connecting technical platforms into a single network.

The Series of Acquisitions Continues

In the following years, the company increased its number of subscribers, acquired companies, and sold others at a profit. Some of the most spectacular investments included acquiring a 20% stake in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (2005), acquiring The Platform, a video publishing company (2006), the Fandango service (2007), the Movies.com website (2008), purchasing Daily Candy, a distribution and email newsletter business channel (2008), and investing in the telecommunications operator Clearwire (2009).


In addition to major financial operations, the corporation launched various initiatives and created new divisions:

• Established Comcast Interactive Media (CIM), a new division for internet business development (2005)
• Launched HD programming (2006)
• Created the Comcast Entertainment Group to oversee the company’s entertainment assets on the West Coast (2006)
• Introduced Comcast Business Services for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees (2006)
• Opened the Comcast Center, the tallest building in the country with LEED certification (2007)
• Launched the AnyRoom Video On Demand service, allowing program continuation on multiple TVs (2008)
• Started the website Fancast XFINITY TV, offering entertainment anytime and anywhere (2009)
• Introduced the TV Everywhere service, providing content on any device, anywhere, anytime (2009)
• Presented a caller ID service for TVs and computers (2009)

The Great NBC Acquisition

The next decade in Comcast’s history began with another step toward fulfilling Brian Roberts’ dreams. On October 1, 2009, CNBC reported the possibility of selling NBCUniversal, owned by General Electric, and merging it as a joint venture with the cable television network. Comcast was the only bidder. An initial agreement was reached on December 1, when Comcast acquired a controlling stake in NBCUniversal, including Universal Pictures.

On January 28, 2011, the transaction was definitively finalized, resulting in the creation of the joint venture NBCUniversal, LLC. To signify ownership, Comcast adopted the colorful peacock logo from NBC as the company’s emblem, officially introducing it in December 2012. Three months later, Roberts completed the purchase of the remaining Universal shares from General Electric, including their real estate, and on March 19, 2013, Comcast became the sole owner of NBCUniversal.

- We are thrilled to complete the transaction and look forward to fully leveraging the growth and innovation opportunities within our combined company - said Comcast representatives, while Brian Roberts added: We have always believed that there was a strong likelihood that one day we would own 100 percent of the shares… Dreams do come true….

Even after signing the initial agreement to buy NBCUniversal, collaboration between the two companies began. In 2011, they established the Joint External Diversity Advisory Council. The council consisted of leaders from various organizations and minority groups, representing the interests of African Americans, Asians, Latinos, women, veterans, Native Americans, people with disabilities, and the LGBT community. In the same year, Comcast launched Comcast Interactive Capital, a venture capital company creating a new joint fund named Comcast Ventures, overseen by Julian Brodsky.

However, during the final stages of the major transaction in 2013, Roberts was supported by Michael J. Angelakis, Vice President and CFO of Comcast Corporation. Julian Brodsky, who had retired two years earlier on May 11, 2011, was no longer involved.

- If you have something as complex as Comcast, you have to refresh the gene pool. And while it’s time to do it, you do so with a sense of sadness... but you have to make way for younger members with new skills to diversify the cable company towards entertainment and news - Brodsky said a few days before his departure. He remained a senior financial advisor with his own office on the 55th floor of the Comcast Center.

The Digital Revolution

The battle for NBCUniversal lasted three years. During this time, the company initiated new projects, introduced numerous innovations, and expanded the capabilities of previous offers, especially Xfinity. In 2010, Comcast launched a new version of the Comcast Mobile app for iPhone and iPod Touch with remote programming capabilities. In collaboration with The Masters, they launched the first 3D programming.

A year later, the Internet Essentials program was introduced, offering affordable internet, low-cost computers, and training. At the Consumer Electronics Show, they demonstrated the first 1-gigabit connection, downloading nine hours of content in just 90 seconds.

In 2012, the next-generation television platform X1, based on cloud technology, debuted, along with the X1 Remote Control app. In 2013, they launched a parental control website.

All sections related to Xfinity developed dynamically:

• Launch of xfinityTV.com, a website with video content and the XfinityTV app (2010)
• Apps for iPad, Samsung tablets, and TVs (2011)
• XfinityTV in Spanish and the launch of the Spanish-language website www.XfinityTV.com/latinoTV (2011)
• Launch of the Xfinity On Demand service, combining ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in one place (2011)
• Xfinity On Demand service on Xbox 360 (in partnership with Microsoft, 2011)
• Launch of XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, a dining and entertainment venue in the city (2012)
• Introduction of the Xfinity Wireless Gateway and WiFi Xfinity
• Launch of the Xfinity TV Go app for Apple and Android (2013)
• Launch of Xfinity On Campus, a student service for watching TV on various devices

By introducing such a wide range of applications, services, and programs, the company needed an efficient and professional technical department. In 2014, Comcast announced the creation of the Comcast Technology Center for technologists, engineers, and all the company’s architects. The tallest building in Philadelphia and all of Pennsylvania, the 60-story tower, was completed on November 27, 2017, and the first offices opened in July 2018. The top floors feature a hotel and restaurant, while the lower levels house TV studios and shops. The central floors are the domain of Comcast engineers and developers. The building, which is open to visitors, is located next to Comcast Center, the corporation’s main headquarters.


Among Comcast’s many acquisitions are those related to major sports. In 2016, the corporation became the owner of the multi-purpose sports arena Wells Fargo Center and the hockey team Philadelphia Flyers. It also became a partner of the United States Olympic Committee through 2020. The following year, Comcast announced its sponsorship of the Team USA Champions Series through 2020 and became the official cable and communications partner of US Ski & Snowboard, the Olympic sports organization based in Park City, Utah.

Not Everything Went Smoothly

Not every acquisition worked out for Roberts and Comcast. Just as the Disney purchase failed in 2004, the 2015 attempt to acquire Time Warner Cable also collapsed. After both companies signed a preliminary agreement, voices of opposition arose. Experts claimed that

the deal would give Comcast greater bargaining power in many areas, including retransmission fees with TV channels and peering agreements with internet service providers, and newspapers like Politico accused Comcast of donating to nearly every member of Congress involved in regulating the company.

In the end, the case reached the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, followed by hearings in the House Judiciary Committee and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which expressed its opposition on April 24, 2015, and the deal was canceled.

Two years later, in November 2017, Roberts withdrew his bid to acquire 21st Century Fox. He made up for the losses by acquiring DreamWorks Animation in April 2016 and becoming the sole owner of British pay-TV group SKY on November 7, 2018.

The acquisition of SKY made waves globally. Thanks to the deal, Comcast became the world’s largest cable TV operator, gaining 23 million additional customers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

Sadly, Ralph Roberts did not live to see that historic day. He passed away on June 18, 2015, at the age of 95. He had worked at Comcast for over five decades and celebrated the company’s 50th anniversary in 2013. Just before his death, he and his wife Suzanne received one final award - the Philadelphia Award - for their contributions to the city in business, culture, arts, and philanthropy.

Half of the Customers... Dissatisfied. Worst Company in America?

It’s hard to count all the investments, transactions, and acquisitions Comcast has made. Amid enormous figures (in 2017, the company’s revenue was $85.029 billion), features like the talking guide on the X1 platform and voice-controlled remote launched in 2015, or the YouTube-integrated app for Xfinity X1 in 2017, were lost in a sea of actions and developments. Perhaps only the nationwide introduction of Netflix on the X1 platform in 2016 brought more oohs and aahs.

However, not everyone considered Comcast and Roberts’ actions to be fair or satisfactory. Surveys from 2004 and 2007 by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) showed that half of subscribers were not satisfied with their cable service. Despite increasing revenues and millions spent on lobbying, customer satisfaction was falling. Other data revealed that...

• In 2010, the company received an “F” grade for its corporate practices
• In 2010 and 2014, it was awarded the title Worst Company in America
• On August 1, 2016, a lawsuit was filed accusing Comcast of deceiving customers to inflate financial results
• In February 2017, the National Advertising Review Board accused the company of falsely claiming it had the fastest internet and fastest home Wi-Fi and banned the use of such claims
• On December 21, 2019, the Minnesota Attorney General accused Comcast of overcharging for cable TV packages

These are just a few of the many complaints and grievances up to 2020.

How to Improve the Image?

Although Roberts and Comcast paid attention to such matters, they continued their work, and the corporation’s companies sought to improve their shared image and connect with the public, especially through entertainment. As early as 2010, Universal Orlando opened the 20-hectare theme park The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It has since been enhanced with areas like Diagon Alley (2014), Skull Island: Reign of King (2016), and attractions such as the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Similar parks are being built across the U.S., Japan, and China.

The company actively sponsors sports events, including the Olympics, and through Xfinity TV, launches various apps - such as the 2017 app for U.S. soldiers stationed abroad. Comcast also supports the environment and a green future, reducing its carbon footprint across the organization. Since 2019, emissions have dropped by 30%.

It uses electric and hybrid vehicles in transport, relies on clean, renewable energy, uses eco-friendly packaging, and recycles used cables and devices.

On the Warpath with COVID-19

The turn of 2019–2020 brought reduced production and income for Comcast, as for companies worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic hit. Theme parks and film studios were hit hardest. Their closures caused a $3.5 billion drop in revenue compared to the previous year. That figure could have been higher, but a record number of broadband subscriptions were signed during that period.

To support customers, Comcast reduced or waived fees for some services and apps, and Xfinity expanded its 5G coverage nationwide. The corporation helped sectors across society that relied on its services:

• Supplied and distributed materials to frontline and healthcare workers in need
• Launched COVID-19 aid funds: Comcast’s senior leaders - Brian Roberts, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson, Jeff Shell, and Jeremy Darroch - donated six months of their salaries to charity. Sky donated £500,000
• Supported the Red Cross and other global charities
• Created safe spaces for students and families for remote learning
• Increased Internet Essentials speeds and offered 60 days free for new customers
• Provided prepaid Visa® cards for students and faculty without internet access
• Launched the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program
• Made Xfinity WiFi hotspots free nationwide
• Supported small businesses through the Comcast RISE project
• Made calls to UK landlines temporarily free (Sky Talk)
• Introduced AI-based network security software
• Universal Pictures launched Theatrical Movies On Demand
• NBCUniversal launched the The More You Know COVID-19 educational campaign in English and Spanish with the White House, CDC, and Health and Human Services

Additionally, a COVID-19 information app Coronavirus Information Destination was launched. Comcast also took care of its employees - those who could worked remotely, but many field offices closed. Comcast allocated $500 million to support them.


Still, even a corporation like Comcast had to tighten its belt. To save $1 billion in the next year’s budget, programming cuts were made, and 38,000 employees lost their jobs.

Despite the pandemic’s global impact, the company continued to operate, albeit at reduced capacity. In 2020, it launched the streaming platform Peacock and the SportsTech global accelerator for sports technology startups. A year later, it debuted XClass TV, released the XiOne streaming device, and acquired Masergy, a software-defined network service provider, restoring revenue to previous levels.

In 2021, Xfinity reached 4 million subscribers and ranked first in customer satisfaction in the American Customer Satisfaction Index - for the second year in a row.

To support not only company growth but also individual development, Comcast launched Project UP in 2021. Its goal is to promote digital equity, build a future of unlimited opportunity, and equip more people with the tools and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The company committed $1 billion over 10 years. A year later, another national initiative launched - Team UP, focused on volunteerism.

- Built on our long history of service, Team UP gives employees the opportunity to further engage with local communities through volunteer events, donation matching initiatives, and board service training - said company representatives.

Brian Roberts, who has led the company for over two decades, steered Comcast through a series of mergers and acquisitions that transformed a family business into a media giant. He hasn’t rested, continuing to focus on the company’s growth. Managing so many businesses, divisions, and nearly 200,000 employees is no small feat.

That’s why, on November 20, 2024, Comcast announced the merger of MSNBC, CNBC, E!, Syfy, Golf Channel, Oxygen, and USA into a single independent company called SpinCo, led by NBCU Media Group CEO Mark Lazarus. On Comcast’s homepage it reads:

“SpinCo will be a leading cable company in news, sports, and entertainment,” expected to launch by the end of 2025, with $7 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending September 30, and Comcast President Mike Cavanagh added: This will allow SpinCo and NBCUniversal to act boldly in a changing media landscape.

As with all big business moves, opinions are divided. Today, Comcast is the third-largest media corporation in the world and the largest U.S. cable TV provider. It includes companies in:

• Film and TV production
• Pay television
• Thematic channels
• Cable networks
• Telecommunications
• Internet services
• Theme parks
• Hotels

Comcast’s headquarters remain in Philadelphia, with NBCUniversal Media, LLC based in New York. The company is still owned by the Roberts family, with Brian L. serving as President and CEO, overseen by a ten-member Board of Directors. In 2023, the company’s net profit was $15.4 billion, and its long-standing motto remains:

We create new opportunities and prepare every business for what the future holds

Comcast Timeline:

• 1963 – Ralph Roberts purchased American Cable System
• 1965 – ACS acquired Storecast Corporation of America
• 1968 – Roberts acquired Muzak
• 1969, March 5 – ACS renamed to Comcast Corporation
• 1971 – Comcast acquired Westmoreland Cable Company and Flint
• 1972, June 29 – company goes public on NASDAQ under the symbol CMCSA
• 1977 – Comcast introduces HBO movie channel
• 1986 – acquisition of Group W Cable, Inc., subscriber base grows to 1.2 million
• 1986 – Comcast adds QVC television network and shopping channel
• 1988 – acquisition of Storer Communications brings Comcast to 2 million subscribers and fifth place nationally
• 1988 – Comcast becomes a mobile network operator by acquiring AMCELL
• 1989 – new headquarters at One Meridian Plaza in Center City
• 1994 – Comcast acquires 50% of Garden State Cable and the U.S. division of Maclean-Hunter, becoming the third-largest cable operator in the U.S.
• 1995, January 17 – premiere of The Golf Channel, Comcast as co-owner
• 1996 – formation of Comcast-Spectacor sports company
• 1996, December – launch of first broadband product, Comcast@Home cable modem
• 1997 – partnership with Microsoft and launch of digital television
• 1997 – collaboration with The Walt Disney Company
• 1998 – launch of Style Network channel
• 1999 – launch of Comcast University
• 1999 – formation of Comcast Interactive Capital Group
• 1999 – failed merger with MediaOne
• 2001 – launch of annual Comcast Cares Day
• 2001 – acquisition of AT&T Broadband, reaching 21.4 million subscribers and #1 in the U.S.
• 2002 – company rebrands as A Comcast Company
• 2002 – launch of G4 network
• 2003 – creation of African American TV network TVOne
• 2003 – Comcast becomes sole owner of The Golf Channel
• 2003 – launch of Comcast.net email service
• 2004, April – failed attempt to acquire Disney
• 2005 – formation of Comcast Interactive Media
• 2005, April – successful investment in Adelphia cable company
• 2006 – launch of HD programming
• 2006 – creation of Comcast Entertainment Group
• 2006 – acquisition of video publishing firm The Platform
• 2007 – acquisition of Fandango
• 2007 – new headquarters: Comcast Center
• 2008 – Movies.com joins Comcast
• 2009 – launch of Fancast XFINITY TV website
• 2010, January 28 – Comcast acquires NBCUniversal shares, forming joint venture NBCUniversal, LLC
• 2010 – launch of 3D programming
• 2011 – formation of Comcast Interactive Capital
• 2011 – XfinityTV available in Spanish
• 2012 – launch of next-gen X1 TV platform
• 2012, December – NBC`s colorful peacock becomes corporate symbol
• 2013 – Comcast celebrates its 50th anniversary
• 2013, March 19 – Comcast becomes sole owner of NBCUniversal
• 2015 – failed acquisition of Time Warner Cable
• 2016 – Comcast acquires Wells Fargo Center and Philadelphia Flyers
• 2016 – Netflix premieres on X1 platform
• 2016, April – Comcast acquires DreamWorks Animation
• 2018, July – Comcast Technology Center opens
• 2018, November 7 – Comcast becomes owner of Sky TV
• 2019–2020 – COVID-19 assistance programs across various sectors
• 2020 – launch of new streaming platform Peacock
• 2021 – debut of XClass TV and XiOne streaming device
• 2021 – launch of Project UP
• 2022 – first edition of Team UP volunteer project
• 2023 – 60th anniversary of the company
• 2024, November 20 – announcement of SpinCo creation

References:

• https://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/leadership-overview/ralph-j-roberts
• https://mediadb.eu/2024/04/30/3-comcast-corporation/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_J._Roberts
• https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/20/business/media/ralph-roberts-cable-tv-pioneer-who-built-comcast-dies-at-95.html?_r=0
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast
• https://www.seattletimes.com/business/a-look-at-comcasts-changes-over-the-decades/
• https://syndeoinstitute.org/about/honorary-board-of-directors/julian-brodsky/
• https://syndeoinstitute.org/the-hauser-oral-history-project/b-listings/bj-bz/julian-brodsky-penn/
• https://web.archive.org/web/20110505091201/http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-01/business/29493381_1_comcast-s-brodsky-comcast-board-julian-brodsky
• https://archive.ph/20130630043744/http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-14/news/37081674_1_suzanne-ralph-dance-floor#selection-1047.106-1047.116
• https://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/news-feed/rjr-timeline
• https://www.ilctr.org/about-immigrants/immigrant-entrepreneurs/hall-of-fame/daniel-aaron/
• https://www.immigrantentrepreneurship.org/entries/daniel-aaron/
• https://syndeoinstitute.org/the-hauser-oral-history-project/b-listings/bj-bz/julian-brodsky-penn/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_A._Brodsky
• https://forward.com/news/193521/brian-roberts-jewish-roots-and-outsized-ambition-d/
• https://deadline.com/2013/03/comcast-completes-acquisition-nbcuniversal-457181/
• https://archive.nytimes.com/mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/comcast-buying-g-e-s-stake-in-nbcuniversal-for-16-7-billion/
• https://businessinsider.com.pl/biznes/media/comcast-przejmuje-sky-plc/42nd1sk
• https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19
• https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/contentassets/600755b0171c4f7284a56a982226b6f7/comcast--affordable-internet.pdf
• https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/comcast-nbcuniversal-peacock
• https://www.paszport.ws/comcast-jest-dobrze-przygotowany-do-%C5%9Bwiata-po-pandemii-czy-kurs-akcji-ma-szans%C4%99-na-dalszy-wzrost