Comcast/Xfinity: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.345 for failure to timely provide complete commercial advertiser books of account upon request (EY24 NOV24)

Case

#164902

Respondent

Comcast/Xfinity

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on November 5, 2024. The complaint alleged violations of: RCW 42.17A.345 and WAC 390-18-050 by failing to provide inspection of commercial advertiser books of account.

It appears that, prior to the complaint, the Respondent was not fully aware of the requirement to make books of account available for public inspection. When initially providing the records, the Respondent included only those you believed the Complainant was requesting, specifically political advertisement done in calendar year 2024. After being informed about a requester’s right to inspect five years of records, however, Comcast/Xfinity responded to the complainant’s request after some delay.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to respond to a commercial advertiser inspection of the books of account does not amount to a finding of a violation that calls for further investigation.

PDC staff is reminding Comcast/Xfinity about the importance of the requirements under RCW 42.17A.345 and WAC 390-18-050 to respond to a request for inspection of books of account. Staff expects the Respondent, in the future, to respond to requests to review its books of account per requirements associated with commercial advertisers and political advertisements.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

January 09, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.345

Documents

• 164902 Comcast_Xfinity Response.pdf
• 164902 Comcast_Xfinity Reminder.pdf
• 164902 Comcast_Xfinity Complaint.pdf