15. The 2014 announcement that Time Warner Cable and Comcast intended to merge prompted questions of monopoly because the combined company would supply cable access to an overwhelming majority of Americans. It also raised questions of monopsony since the combined company would be virtually the only purchaser of programming for broadcast shows. Assume the merger occurs: in each of the following, determine whether it is evidence of monopoly, monopsony, or neither.
The monthly cable fee for consumers increases significantly more than the increase in the cost of producing and delivering programs over cable.
Companies that advertise on cable TV find that they must pay higher rates for advertising.
Companies that produce broadcast shows find they must produce more shows for the same amount they were paid before.
Consumers find that there are more shows available for the same monthly cable fee.