The telecom-media giant that would be formed if federal regulators approve AT&T $85.4 billion purchase of Time Warner raises antitrust issues, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine and several US lawmakers said on Sunday.
Kaine said lawmakers and regulators would have to review the deal and “get to the bottom” of questions over whether the merger would decrease competition.
“I’m pro-competition,” Kaine said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “Less concentration, I think, is generally helpful especially in the media.”
Kaine, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s running mate, said he had not had a chance to review the details of the deal. The Clinton campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said at a rally on Saturday after the deal was announced that he would block it if he wins the Nov. 8 election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
“It’s too much concentration of power in the hands of too few,” said Trump, who has accused the media of being biased against him and his campaign.
The US Justice Department, not the president, has the power to reject such a deal if it violates antitrust laws. AT&T said it is unclear if the Federal Communications Commission will have jurisdiction to review the deal.
Full Content: Reuters
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
T-Mobile’s Acquisition of Ka’ena Corporation Receives FCC Approval
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
UK Regulator Announces Two New Senior Executive Appointments
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
Paramount Global and Skydance Media Near Merger Deal, Eyeing CEO Change
Apr 26, 2024 by
CPI
BHP Unveils £31bn Mining Megamerger Proposal with Anglo American
Apr 25, 2024 by
nhoch@pymnts.com
ByteDance Prefers Shutdown Over Sale of TikTok Amid US Ban Threats
Apr 25, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI