AT&T’s proposed $85-billion purchase of Time Warner is encountering stiff resistance from the Department of Justice, which is pressuring the companies to sell Time Warner’s news channel, CNN, to win approval of the deal.
The opposition — which some analysts called “unprecedented” — threatens to scuttle a massive media deal.
The Justice Department has informed AT&T that it will oppose the company's planned $85-billion merger unless it sells off CNN — a network frequently derided by President Trump.
Reports from <em>The New York Times</em>, CNN and other outlets, citing unidentified people, said the Justice Department wants to require the companies to sell Turner Broadcasting, which houses CNN, TBS and TNT; or to sell satellite TV provider DIRECTV, which AT&T bought in 2015.
As if the imminent threat to Net Neutrality were not bad enough, Free Press and other organizations are also reiterating the urgent need to preserve the Lifeline program.
What would happen if the politician you love to hate was indicted, but your local news didn’t report it? No newspaper stories, no TV news, no radio news on the hour, nothing.
Couldn’t happen? Think again.
The loss of local news coverage has made it difficult for residents to stay informed, make decisions about voting, and participate in municipal and civic affairs.
However, there is a glimmer of hope that this trend can be reversed.