Customers will win from AOL-Time Warner merger

Customers will be able to enjoy more magazines and music online as a result of the merger between AOL and Time Warner, according to analysts.

Although the benefits will not be felt immediately, the deal will mean greater choice for millions of consumers.

Media analyst Simon Wallis says the partnership is just the tonic the online entertainments industry needed.

Mr Wallis told Ananova: "In the short term it's not much of a big deal but in the longer term Time Warner and AOL is going to be the leading edge in bringing media content online.

"There will be a lot more choice and a lot more exciting options for consumers."

The Time magazine websites will become more sophisticated and are likely to hire more journalists to provide better features. There is also the potential for more music to be available online.

The merged company will be at the forefront of getting media content to work on new technology, said Mr Wallis.

"You really do need large companies to aggressively invest and kick start the industry and get a large customer base," he added.