Comcast's proposed takeover of NBC Universal is expected to completely restructure the entertainment industry's landscape. Analysts, investors, and public interest groups alike have responded strongly to the anticipated agreement, which is expected to be finalized imminently. The merger of the largest American cable company with one of the largest entertainment enterprises in the world would give the combined entity control over approximately one out of every five viewing hours in the United States. Not surprisingly, the deal will be heavily scrutinized and raise considerable questions of antitrust law, media diversity, and the future of internet usage. This article will explore the implications of big media mergers in light of the Comcast-NBC proposal. [More]

President Obama’s September 11th decision to restrict imports of Chinese tires has sparked a taxing debate both domestically and abroad. On top of the preexisting four percent tariff on all tire imports, the president determined to impose additional duties of 35-30-25 percent ad valorem tapered down over three years, specifically upon certain passenger vehicle and light truck tires from China. [1] China responded within days by raising a World Trade Organization ("WTO") challenge to the safeguard, alleging that Obama’s actions are inconsistent with existing international laws. [2] Meanwhile, the proclamation has incited both criticism and praise from a variety of domestic and foreign interests. This article will assess the legality, consequences, and judiciousness of implementing such a tariff and conclude with a word on the free trade versus protectionism debate. [More]