...easing restrictions on media ownership, arguing that there is already too much concentration in the market for TV, radio and other services. Consumer groups also oppose looser rules, saying that they will result in a wave of media mergers.

...the stakes in the consolidation scramble in the media industry and comes just four months after another blockbuster media merger, the proposed combination of CBS Corp. and Viacom Inc. The deal values Time Warner at about $110 a share, a rich...

...Sprint were up 75 cents to $60.313, while shares of WorldCom were up $1.1888 to $38.688. Two other major media mergers -- American Online with Time Warner and AT&T with MediaOne -- also are under attack. Mario Monti, who is in charge...

...although she might share her views with the publication's editorial writers, Cole said. In an era of ever-growing media mergers, including the $6.8-billion acquisition of Times Mirror Co. (including the Los Angeles Times) by Tribune Co...