Step 1

Write a 2-paragraph post in which you address the following question.

Most material on media mega-mergers focuses on the detriments of media conglomeration instead of the benefits. Do you agree or disagree with this approach? In either case, use at least one example or statement from the Lotz article in your response. You response may also bring in information from previous readings or lecture.

Amanda Lotz, “AT&T-Time Warner, net neutrality and how to make sense of the media merger frenzy”

Step 2

Write a one-paragraph response to one of your classmate’s posts. This response needs to engage with what was said. “This is very interesting” is not an acceptable response.

You will be graded on how well you complete both parts of the assignment.

Step 3

Answer the following questions

Note that this article appeared earlier this year. Since then, Disney’s path to buying Fox is much clearer, and the merger should be completed in early 2019.

Why did the US Department of Justice try to prevent the AT&T and Time Warner merger?

Why, according to Lotz, is the AT&T and Time Warner merger so significant?

Why is the government usually more concerned about horizontal integration than vertical?

How does infrastructure matter in media mergers?

What is the relationship between net neutrality and these recent media mergers?

What does Lotz mean by “abandonment of the separations principle?”