*By Michael Teich* Big-time media mergers have renewed a policy debate in Washington over how much corporate control in a few powerful hands is too much, said Axios tech reporter David McCabe. By rejecting the Justice Department's antitrust argument against AT&T's $85 billion deal for Time Warner, a federal judge may have redefined the rules of competition in an age defined by broadband internet, streaming video, and a flood of new content. The government unsuccessfully argued that the combined companies would unfairly hurt video competitors. Instead, the judge's approval of the merger may pave the way for AT&T to better defend against new content players such as Facebook, Google, and Netflix. "Over time we may see an internet experience controlled by a shrinking number of companies," McCabe said Wednesday in an interview with Cheddar. AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner is expected to lead to an increase in media mergers and acquisitions. McCabe said the deal is the "green light," especially for vertical deals combining companies that are not direct competitors. "It’s an extra jolt of confidence to executives who are looking to make a deal in this space without the regulatory friction," McCabe said. For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/at-and-t-deal-raises-worries-of-internet-oligarchy-2).

Share:
More In Business
Get an Early Look at the New York Auto Show
U.S. Nissan head Jérémie Papin joins from the New York International Auto Show to give a preview of what’s to come from the carmaker – including the 2025 Nissan Kicks.
Use A.I. to Never Have a Bad Hair Day Again
Candace Mitchell Harris discusses her path from computer scientist to founder of beauty tech tool MYAVANA – and how it uses A.I. to analyze each person’s unique haircare needs.
Load More