AT&T-Time Warner Case: How the Biggest Antitrust Trial in Years Could Play Out

Author: CECILIA KANG / Source: New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department’s case to block AT&T and Time Warner’s $85 billion blockbuster merger heads to trial this week, with opening statements expected on Thursday.

The case is being billed as one of the most important antitrust trials in years.

The deal, if approved, would create a media giant that combines AT&T’s nationwide mobile and satellite distribution networks with Time Warner’s huge collection of popular movies and television offerings, including “Game of Thrones” on HBO, news on CNN, and college and professional basketball on TNT. The central question of the trial: Would that combination hurt consumers or help them?

Here’s what you need to know.

When does it start, how long will it go and when will there be a decision?

Opening statements are scheduled for Thursday, with the Justice Department and AT&T getting 45 minutes each to lay out their main arguments. Expect lots of colorful claims and defenses from both sides. Top officials from the Justice Department, including the head of its antitrust division, Makan Delrahim, are expected to show up in United States District Court in Washington to watch. AT&T’s chief executive, Randall Stephenson, and Time Warner’s chief executive, Jeff Bewkes, will be there, too — as will scores of other media, telecom and tech executives, as the outcome of the trial could reshape the media industry.

The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks — unless there is a settlement…

Click here to read more

The post AT&T-Time Warner Case: How the Biggest Antitrust Trial in Years Could Play Out appeared first on FeedBox.