In the eyes of the beholder

L.A. politicians (and many others) award exclusive cable franchises to areas throughout the city. Yet they and their fellows at the L.A. Times now fret that a merger of cable providers might introduce a "near monopoly".

Is it the echo chamber? Is it ignorance? Is it a mind set that is blind to politically inspired monopolies but reserves that label for private suppliers? Is it econ 101 courses and textbooks with stale discussions of the topic? In any event, monopoly remains in the eyes of the beholder. "Cable Deal a 'Mixed Blessing' ... Time Warner has a reputation for good service. But some worry about a near monopoly."