08/10/2026
On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to vote on the Charter-Cox merger. And as we told the Los Angeles Times: “State regulators like the CPUC have an important role to play—they have a voice and leverage if they choose to use it,” said Jason Solomon, director of the National Institute for Workers’ Rights, a Bay Area group that is lobbying for Charter to renew its commitment to a diverse workplace. “It’s important that California stand up for its own laws, policies, and values,” Solomon said.
This is an opportunity for state regulators to stand up to the bullying of Trump's FCC Chair Brendan Carr on equal opportunity and say: yes, companies like Charter Communications need to remain vigilant about treating people fairly at work. Indeed, President John Reynolds and Commissioners Matt Baker, Darcie L. Houck, Karen Douglas, and Christine J Harada are all appointees of Governor Gavin Newsom, who has not been shy about standing up to President Trump. Thanks to Meg James for covering this important decision.
Spectrum owner Charter Communications is nearing the finish line in its long-awaited $34.5-billion purchase of Cox Enterprises to form the nation's largest internet and cable television company. But consumer groups are seeking more protections for diversity and other measures.
