DOJ to AT&T: Sell major assets, potentially CNN, or get ready for legal battle

By Brian Stelter at CNN


http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/08/media/att-time-warner/index.html

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"For over 40 years, vertical mergers like this one have always been approved because they benefit consumers without removing any competitors from the market," AT&T said last week. "While we won't comment on our discussions with DOJ, we see no reason in the law or the facts why this transaction should be an exception."

The Justice Department's hardline approach to AT&T -- belying the business-friendly image of the Trump administration -- has spurred questions about Trump's personal interest in the deal.

Time Warner's portfolio also includes Warner Bros., HBO, TNT and TBS.

As a candidate, President Trump publicly vowed to block the deal. As president, he frequently criticizes CNN. Over the summer The New York Times reported that Trump aides discussed using the pending deal as a powerful form of leverage over CNN's coverage.



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