The U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission are beginning to examine whether Apple's new media subscription service violates antitrust laws, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The agencies haven't decided whether to pursue a more formal investigation as the examination is at a preliminary stage, said the people, who requested anonymity because the matter is confidential. The Wall Street Journal reported today on the preliminary probes.

Justice Department spokeswoman Gina Talamona declined to comment, as did an FTC spokeswoman. Steve Dowling, a spokesman for Apple, didn't respond immediately to an after-hours e-mail or phone call for comment. Jill Tan, a Hong Kong-based Apple spokeswoman, didn't immediately return two calls to her office and mobile phone seeking comment.

Read the complete Bloomberg story, “U.S. Said to Examine New Apple Subscription Service for Antitrust Breach.”

The U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission are beginning to examine whether Apple's new media subscription service violates antitrust laws, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The agencies haven't decided whether to pursue a more formal investigation as the examination is at a preliminary stage, said the people, who requested anonymity because the matter is confidential. The Wall Street Journal reported today on the preliminary probes.

Justice Department spokeswoman Gina Talamona declined to comment, as did an FTC spokeswoman. Steve Dowling, a spokesman for Apple, didn't respond immediately to an after-hours e-mail or phone call for comment. Jill Tan, a Hong Kong-based Apple spokeswoman, didn't immediately return two calls to her office and mobile phone seeking comment.

Read the complete Bloomberg story, “U.S. Said to Examine New Apple Subscription Service for Antitrust Breach.”