Judges Hear DOJ Challenge to ATandT-Time Warner Merger

A panel of judges  heard from the Justice Department Thursday on its challenge to the  AT&T-Time Warner  merger.  During a hearing in the D.C.

Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal government presented its case on why it  wants to overturn  a lower court's decision approving the $85 billion deal.  According to the DOJ , the merger will cut down on competition and raise costs for consumers.

The government claims the judge who approved the deal didn't fully consider those economic points.  It's the first time in decades that the U.S. government has taken to court to  block a merger  between two companies that don't directly compete with one another.  The judicial panel didn't indicate which way it's leaning Thursday, but it's  expected to rule  on the appeal early next year.  AT&T's acquisition  of Time Warner was completed in July.  Additional reporting from  Newsy affiliate CNN .