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NEW YORK — AT&T is squaring off against the federal government in a trial that could shape how you get — and how much you pay for — streaming TV and movies.

AT&T says it needs to gobble up Time Warner to have a chance against the likes of Amazon, Netflix and Google in the rapidly evolving world of video entertainment. The government says that if AT&T and Time Warner are allowed to join forces, consumers will end up paying more to watch their favorite shows.

That’s the gist of a landmark antitrust trial that could lay out what media companies will look like in the future. The trial kicks off Monday in Washington.

If the judge blocks the acquisition, a chill over media deal-making is likely. If it goes through, it could spur a wave of similar deals.

FILE – In this Oct. 24, 2016, file photo, the AT&T logo is positioned above one of its retail stores in New York. On Monday, March 19, 2018, AT&T squares off against the federal government in a trial that could shape how you get, and how much you pay, for streaming TV and movies. AT&T says it needs to gobble up Time Warner if it’s to have a chance against the likes of Amazon, Netflix and Google in the rapidly evolving world of video entertainment. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_120015909-f5deb111a6ae4b22bf6b4d05e136b726.jpg.optimal.jpgFILE – In this Oct. 24, 2016, file photo, the AT&T logo is positioned above one of its retail stores in New York. On Monday, March 19, 2018, AT&T squares off against the federal government in a trial that could shape how you get, and how much you pay, for streaming TV and movies. AT&T says it needs to gobble up Time Warner if it’s to have a chance against the likes of Amazon, Netflix and Google in the rapidly evolving world of video entertainment. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

By Mae Anderson

AP Technology Writer