AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner would combine one of the world’s largest wireless, cable, and broadband providers with one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies 

Klobuchar examined the acquisition’s effect on independent content providers, possible harm to consumers, and the effectiveness of conditions that would remedy concerns over the merger

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today pressed for answers on the impact of the proposed AT&T-Time Warner transaction on consumers and competition during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition, and Consumer Rights hearing. AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner would combine one of the world’s largest wireless, cable, and broadband providers with one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies. Klobuchar, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition, and Consumer Rights, examined the acquisition’s effect on independent content providers, possible harm to consumers, and the effectiveness of conditions that would remedy concerns over the merger.

“We want to bring cable prices down for consumers, and we want to promote competition that drives innovation. So the question becomes, does the ATT-Time Warner merger help or hurt with this?” Klobuchar said following the hearing. “I think the answer is that it depends on whether promises are kept. Under oath, the CEOs said that they would bring prices down and that they would not discriminate against independent providers. Those were important statements, and that’s why have these hearings, so that we can continue to hold all parties accountable.”  

For a broadcast-quality video excerpt of Klobuchar’s opening remarks, click here.

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