WASHINGTON - June 3 - The Federal Communications Commission announced today it will hold a public workshop on the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger. The workshop will be held July 13 in Chicago, and FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael Copps are expected to attend.

Free Press, along with Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America and Media Access Project, called on the FCC in April to schedule opportunities for members of the public to voice their concerns in communities that would be most affected by the merger.

Corie Wright, Free Press policy counsel, issued the following statement:

"We are pleased that the Commission will be hosting a public workshop on the Comcast-NBC merger, and that Commissioners Clyburn and Copps are expected to attend. However, given the proposed merger's likely impact on consumers and our media landscape, a hearing that includes all five FCC commissioners is key.

"Ultimately, the impact of this deal will be felt at the local level, and it's essential that the public have a chance to voice their concerns and hear from the Commission. We hope the FCC will plan for more hearings in the very near future so that residents in the communities that will be most affected by the merger have the same opportunity to be heard."