AT&T’s Blockbuster Deal for Time Warner Hangs in Limbo
Justice Department officials and the state attorneys general are also exploring whether other content companies such as Starz
and Showtime — premium channels offered at an extra cost like Time Warner’s HBO — could have a harder time reaching AT&T customers, according to five people with knowledge of the investigations.
We’re certainly going to have some concerns.”
Mr. Ergen said that AT&T’s purchase of Time Warner would spur other cable
and satellite companies to seek deals with wireless companies and content firms.
Some employees of media and telecom companies were recently deposed as a part of an investigation by a coalition of about 20 state attorneys general into AT&T’s purchase
of Time Warner, according to two people with knowledge of the depositions, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
The attorneys general asked whether AT&T would charge competitors like Dish higher fees for Time Warner content such as HBO shows and N. B.A.
“Any political interference in antitrust enforcement is unacceptable,” Ms. Klobuchar wrote to Mr.
“Even more concerning, in this instance, is that it appears
that some advisers to the president may believe that it is appropriate for the government to use its law enforcement authority to alter or censor the press.”
The Justice Department declined to comment.
