Fox’s $22 billion plan to buy Roku has run into a snag, with the Justice Department sending a ‘second request’ for more data as it scrutinizes the deal.

This move, while routine in major antitrust reviews, signals regulators' desire for a thorough examination of how the acquisition might affect competition and consumers. Fox’s vast media empire, including news, sports, and entertainment content, could give a combined Fox-Roku a significant edge in the streaming landscape.

Rivals worry about Fox-owned Roku potentially favoring its own services, leveraging data for advertising, and pushing competitors to the sidelines. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch has promised that the two businesses will remain separate, but the scrutiny is intense, especially given the Murdochs’ political connections.

The investigation also reflects broader concerns about political influence in mergers. Critics question whether the Justice Department is giving politically connected companies a pass, as seen in the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal.

The Fox-Roku deal, expected to close in 2027, is being closely watched as a test of regulatory rigor in the ever-evolving media landscape.