*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).
Two of the top low-cost online retailers are going head to head in a new legal battle. Cheddar News' Michelle Castillo breaks the lawsuit down.
The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits fell last week as the labor market continues to thrive despite high interest rates and elevated costs.
The earliest version of Disney's Mickey Mouse will become public domain on Jan. 1, 2024.
The toy magic oven called the Cookeez Makery is one of the hottest toys for kids this holiday season.
In the UK, IKEA is looking to give away some meatballs, and not just regular-size meatballs.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is set to star in a movie playing MMA and UFC legend, Mark Care, while Kevin Hart will headline a boxing project over on Peacock.
Coca-Cola is recalling drinks sold in three southern states due to possible "foreign materials" inside cans.
Stocks jumped after the Dow Jones closed at a record high while fresh retail sales data showed positive consumer spending ahead of the holidays.
The Food and Drug Administration is asking Congress for new powers, including the ability to mandate drug recalls and require eyedrop makers to undergo inspections before shipping products to the U.S.
The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday for a third straight time, and its officials signaled that they expect to make three quarter-point cuts to their benchmark rate next year.
