DOJ Issues Second Request in Fox's $22 Billion Acquisition of Roku
The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a second request to Fox and Roku regarding the proposed $22 billion acquisition, signaling that regulators are seeking more information before deciding on antitrust concerns. While this is a common step during major merger reviews, it indicates heightened scrutiny over how the deal might affect competition in streaming services. Fox owns significant media content and Tubi, while Roku operates one of the largest platforms for accessing streaming content through its TV operating system. Regulators are examining whether a combined entity could give preferential treatment to Fox’s offerings on Roku's platform or use data to strengthen advertising capabilities at rivals' expense. The DOJ is also under pressure due to recent criticism over politically sensitive merger approvals, including the Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery deal linked to Trump allies. The outcome of this review may serve as a test for how rigorously the agency evaluates high-profile media deals involving political connections.
Topics: antitrust law media ownership mergers streaming services