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Spain: Watchdog fines Mediaset Espana and Atresmedia

By  |  November 13, 2019

Spain’s antitrust watchdog the CNMC fined Mediaset Espana and Atresmedia a total of €77.1 million (US$84.96 million) for anti-competitive behavior related to the marketing of television advertising, reported Reuters. 

The fine for Mediaset’s Spanish unit was €38.9 million (US$42.8 million) and €38.2 million (US$42 million) for Atresmedia, it added.

Both Mediaset Espana and Atresmedia developed a strategy in the sale of television advertising which resulted in a market share of over 85%, the Spanish watchdog stated. 

To achieve this, both companies imposed a high quota on advertisers, forcing them to spend a significant part of their advertising budget on the broadcasters, the regulator stated. 

This way they limited the capacity of other television channels to capture advertising revenue, it added. Spain’s competition regulator stated both broadcasters are required to modify their commercial strategy within three months.

Full Content: Reuters

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