The proposed merger between Charter Communications Inc. and isfar from a done deal, Entertainment Studios Inc. and the National Associationof African American-Owned Media said March 31, citing discussions with theregulator.

Calling the recent reports that the FCC is about to clear the deal inaccurate,Entertainment Studios and the NAAAOM said that the regulator's investigationsinto the deal were "very much ongoing" and FCC Chairman Tom Wheelerhas not yet circulated a draft order, regarded as an initial step in approvingthe merger.

They also quoted an FCC insider as saying that thecommission could impose tough conditions that may cause Charter to back outfrom the deal.

Rejecting the claims, Charter said it is looking forward tothe deal's approval, Multichannel News reported March 31, quoting a companystatement. Charter also reportedly argued that it is committed todiversity, citing the memorandum of understanding it signed with variousdiversity organizations.

Entertainment Studios and the NAAAOM have a $10 billion racialdiscrimination lawsuit against Charter over its contracts with 100% African-American-ownedmedia companies.