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Article snippet: A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that AT&T and Time Warner can go through with their $85 billion merger, dealing a blow to the Trump administration’s Department of Justice. The decision from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon gives AT&T an entry into the media business with control over popular brands like cable networks CNN, HBO, TNT and TBS. It could also set in motion a series of mega-deals across industries. In his 172-page decision, Leon wrote that the Justice Department failed to prove that the combination would hurt competition. He also urged prosecutors not to seek a stay ahead of the companies' merger deadline on June 21, which he said would cause "irreparable harm" to the deal. The administration, which may still appeal the decision, sued the companies in November, arguing that the tie-up could be used to suppress competition and raise prices for consumers. Makan Delrahim, the Justice Department’s antitrust chief, said prosecutors were “disappointed” with the decision but did not reveal whether they would seek a stay or appeal the ruling. “We continue to believe that the pay-TV market will be less competitive and less innovative as a result of the proposed merger between AT&T and Time Warner,” Delrahim said in a statement. “We will closely review the Court’s opinion and consider next steps in light of our commitment to preserving competition for the benefit of American consumers.” Other major industry players could take Tuesday’s ruling as ... Link to the full article to read more