Follow up on AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner, including why AT&T is different than Time Warner Cable and my problems with zero rating. Then, the New York Times bought The Wirecutter, and Microsoft had great earnings (as expected)
AT&T to Buy Time Warner (Pending Regulatory Approval), The AT&T Perspective, The Time Warner Perspective
Breaking down the AT&T acquisition of Time Warner: why most antitrust criticism is wrong, what AT&T stands to benefit, why Time Warner is the big winner, and what regulators ought to focus on.
Disney to Buy Part of MLBAM; Netflix, Comcast, and Verizon; Spotify’s Fruitless Antitrust Griping
Disney continues to invest in the future by buying part of MLBAM, while Comcast and Verizon settle into their roles as utilities. Plus, why Spotify’s antitrust complaints don’t make much sense, even if Apple isn’t being very fair.
Google v Oracle, Round 3; FTC Re-Opening Google Search Investigation?; Facebook and Filter Bubbles
Google v Oracle Round 3 kicked off this week, and the stakes are high. We need a legislative solution that probably isn’t coming. Then, the FTC may be investigating Google again, but it’s hard to see their conclusion changing; and why Facebook’s study about polarization didn’t exonerate the News Feed algorithm
Antitrust and Aggregation
The European Commission’s antitrust case against Google is likely to be the first of many against aggregators, because the end game of Aggregation Theory is monopoly.
Google Accused of Antitrust Violations, What Now for Google?, The Danger of Unicorns
Google set up Android to avoid anti-trust; what they didn’t plan for was an extra monopoly, which means they’re very likely guilty. Plus, why I’m officially scared of unicorns
Aggregation and Antitrust, BuzzFeed Makes News, BuzzFeed’s Valuation in Perspective
The differing approaches to antitrust in the U.S. and Europe could mean completely different outcomes in the long run for aggregation companies. Meanwhile, BuzzFeed has raised a new round and seems to be doing better than ever, which is great news for journalism. Plus, how to think about startup valuations.
Aggregation and the New Regulation
Because of the Internet realities described by Aggregation Theory a smaller number of companies hold an increasing amount of power. However, an increasing focus on market forces reduces the latitude for bad behavior, and the incentives — and means — to hold those companies to account are greater than ever.
In Defense of Markets, The Qualcomm Mess, Uber and de Blasio
I think that the stock market tends to get a bad rap amongst tech pundits and executives; in fact, it is a critical part of how new companies defeat incumbents. Still, sometimes markets get it wrong and I think that is the case with Qualcomm. Plus, what Uber’s episode with New York City mayor Bill de Blasio suggests about politics and Aggregation Theory.
Apple Loses E-books Appeal; Apple Music and Antitrust; Producers, Consumers, and Apple
Apple’s E-book case finally came to it’s likely end a few week’s ago; it’s worth reviewing what was at stake in light of recent news that Apple Music could face a similar investigation. Then, if Apple Music will do for musicians what the App Store did for developers, is that a good thing? Plus, why sites are bad and no one is at fault.