*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).
Jeremy Jansen, Head of Global Supply Chain and Trade Sales at Wells Fargo, helps us understand how trade will be affected by tariffs implemented by Trump.
Kory Kantenga, Head of Economics for the Americas at LinkedIn, talks the current state of the labor market and how it has evolved since the pandemic. Watch!
Caraway CEO, Jordan Nathan, joins Cheddar to discuss how one bad accident turned into a successful business venture and how it will help you in the kitchen.
Chelsey Dulaney, reporter from The Wall Street Journal, takes us inside her piece about American Exceptionalism Trade and explains how it will affect consumers.
Sunset Magazine Editor-In-Chief, Hugh Garvey, talks the latest issue on the LA fires' threat to the California dream and the importance of the recovery efforts.
