D.C. Memo: John Malone On GCI's Role in a Charter-Liberty Broadband Deal

◾ FCC Defends 'Disparate Impact' before Judges ◾ L.A. Schools Want Options to Wi-Fi Hot Spots ◾ Thune: S.D. ISPs Can't Use BEAD ◾ FCC Sets Oct. 7 Deadline to Oppose Skydance-Paramount Deal

GCI: In a discussion with MoffettNathanson, Liberty Broadband Chairman John Malone said GCI in Alaska would be a good asset for Charter to acquire. "Dr. Malone thinks [GCI/Alaska] is a very good communications business. He thinks Charter will like it, but understands that they will have to do their diligence before the two parties can have an honest discussion of share value,"said Senior Managing Director Craig Moffett, who yesterday released a 15-page summary of his Malone talk along with direct quotes. Malone confirmed that Charter would need FCC approval to acquire GCI. "There are FCC licenses involved. Maybe other regulatory reviews. The DOJ or FTC would probably want to kick the tires, at least," Malone said. Malone wasn't exactly sure if Charter will buy GCI. "Until due diligence is undertaken, Dr. Malone doesn’t expect to have a good sense of whether that structure is going to work for Charter or what the alternatives would be," Moffett said. GCI, bought by Liberty Broadband in late 2020, is in play because Charter's Sept. 15 proposal to buy Liberty Broadband in an all-stock deal did not include GCI. Liberty Broadband, which owns 26% of Charter's stock, made a counteroffer that included GCI in the deal.