Crossing Lines.

MERGERS & acquisitions; INTERNET industry; AMERICA Online Inc.; WARNER Media LLC; INTERNET service providers; INTERNET users; CUSTOMER services; CONSUMERS; UNITED States. Federal Communications Commission

Focuses on various aspects associated with the acquisition of Time Warner Inc. by America Online Inc. (AOL). Argument that the acquisition of Time Warner ignores the issue of cable line access. Advantage in terms of service as well as social life as a result of the acquisition suggested by Steve Case, chairman of AOL; Effect of Internet cable lines access being dictated by the private Internet providers on consumers; AOL executives facing antitrust hearings; Suggestions for governmental controls over media mergers and Internet access; Need for the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to direct the cable companies to provide full and equal access to the Internet service providers.