AT&T and Time Warner: Why Bigger May Be Better

AT&T has become one of the biggest and best companies in the world, in part because it’s so good at buying other companies.In the 1990s and 2000s, when it was known as Southwestern Bell and then SBC Communications, it snapped up several Baby Bells, along with broadband and wireless providers. As it grew larger, it bought its former parent and assumed the name.With a national network and reputation, the new AT&T became the exclusive carrier for Apple’s iPhone, helping usher in the smartphone revolution a decade ago. That history is worth recalling because AT&T wants to make another major acquisition and lead the next wave in mobile entertainment. Antitrust regulators are now considering the case and there are many reasons to approve it. We see a big upside for consumers and the Dallas-based company - providing that prudent protections are included.AT&T's target is Time Warner, which owns HBO, CNN, Turner and Warner Bros. Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman and Harry Potter are examples of its much-acclaimed work.   Continue reading...