Comcast Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Comcast has announced an additional $1 million in grants through the Comcast RISE initiative for over 100 small businesses in Philadelphia, particularly targeting women and people of color. This follows a previous $1 million awarded in 2021, bringing total grants awarded in Philadelphia to $2 million. To date, Comcast RISE has impacted more than 9,500 entrepreneurs across the U.S., with a total commitment of over $16 million in grants.

The initiative aims to support small businesses recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comcast RISE has awarded over $16 million in grants and $75 million in in-kind support to empower more than 9,500 entrepreneurs nationwide. On July 26, 2022, Comcast announced $1 million in grants for 100 small businesses in Allegheny County, focusing on women and minority owners. The initiative, which started in 2020 to assist businesses affected by COVID-19, aims to address inequities faced by women in accessing resources. By the end of 2022, 13,000 businesses are expected to benefit from Comcast RISE.

Comcast has opened a new Xfinity store in Alexandria, Virginia, marking its sixth location in Northern Virginia. Spanning 3,200 square feet, the store offers an interactive experience showcasing Xfinity's full range of products and services, including Supersonic WiFi and smart home security solutions. A dedicated team assists customers in managing accounts and signing up for services. The store also promotes the Affordable Connectivity Program, aiding low-income residents. It operates seven days a week, further expanding Comcast's retail presence in the region.

Comcast Advertising has released a report revealing that free ad-supported streaming TV (F.A.S.T.) penetration has more than doubled in the past year, with 60% of connected TV households using F.A.S.T. services. The report emphasizes the growing significance of F.A.S.T. as a complementary advertising platform to traditional TV and streaming. Advertisers report that F.A.S.T. enhances audience reach, making it a valuable component of multi-screen media strategies. As consumer habits shift towards cost-effective streaming solutions, F.A.S.T. channels emerge as important tools for driving engagement and discovery.

Comcast has announced a partnership with Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid to launch a Digital Navigator program in Washington, D.C. aimed at promoting digital equity. This initiative will train community leaders to provide residents in Wards 7 and 8 with information about free and low-cost Internet options, as well as digital skills training. The program seeks to raise awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a $30 monthly credit for Internet services. Comcast's larger project, Project UP, includes a $1 billion commitment to enhance digital access nationwide.

FreeWheel has announced key promotions within its executive team, naming Katy Loria as U.S. Chief Revenue Officer, Michael Lawlor as Chief Operations and Service Officer, and Chris Rouser as Head of Human Resources. These leaders will enhance FreeWheel's focus on the evolving TV advertising ecosystem. Loria will lead revenue strategy, Lawlor will centralize operations for efficiency, and Rouser will drive talent management. With extensive experience, they aim to position FreeWheel for growth in a shifting advertising landscape.

Comcast Advertising has appointed James Rooke as its new President, succeeding Marcien Jenckes, who will lead a joint venture with Charter. Rooke, formerly General Manager of Effectv, will oversee Comcast's advertising brands, including Effectv, FreeWheel, and AudienceXpress. Since joining Effectv in January 2020, he has driven the transformation towards a multi-screen, audience delivery model, enhancing data-driven advertising strategies. Rooke aims to leverage his experience to advance Comcast Advertising during a transformative period in television advertising.

Comcast has launched the Xfinity Stream app on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, enabling subscribers to access live, on-demand, and DVR programming within their homes. The app boasts a redesigned, user-friendly interface enhancing content discovery through personalization and editorial recommendations. Senior VP Michael DelCiello emphasized the company’s commitment to evolving entertainment experiences. The app can be downloaded from the App Store, joining other streaming options on the devices.

The latest CIO research, sponsored by Masergy and Fortinet, reveals accelerating investments in Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions, driven by the need for sustainable remote work. Key findings highlight that 94% of respondents experienced increased SASE adoption. Users reported significant benefits exceeding expectations in connectivity, security performance, and cost savings. The study also underscores the importance of solutions integrating SD-WAN, cloud security, and AI. Over 200 IT leaders from U.S.-headquartered companies were surveyed, reflecting strong market interest in converging security and networking.