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"path": "/2026/04/16/the-wall-street-journal-wonders-why-there-are-suddenly-so-many-sleazy-fees/",
"publishedAt": "2026-04-16T12:27:43.000Z",
"site": "https://www.techdirt.com",
"tags": [
"1",
"antitrust",
"consumer protection",
"corruption",
"fees",
"ftc",
"hidden fees",
"junk fees",
"regulations",
"surcharges",
"trump"
],
"textContent": "I cut my teeth as a telecom reporter, so I spent a lot of time writing about how broadband monopolies and cable TV giants rip off consumers with sleazy, misleading fees. I also spent a lot of that time writing about how lobbying and regulatory capture have ensured that big companies see no meaningful penalties […]",
"title": "The Wall Street Journal Wonders Why There Are Suddenly So Many Sleazy Fees"
}