CSA to probe C+ beIN deal?
June 3, 2016
French broadcast regulator the CSA has raised concerns over the exclusive distribution agreement reached between Canal Plus and beIN Sports.
According to French news channel BFM which claims to have seen a leaked memo, the regulator has drawn up a list of issues. CSA is concerned that Canal+ would hold a near monopoly on top sports given that it is already the exclusive distributor for another leading sports channel, Discovery-owned Eurosport.
There are also concerns that beIN selling sports rights to free-to-air channels might end. The CSA is also worried that beIN Sports is currently central to Orange, Free, and SFR Numericable, which are currently developing their own TV offer, which would be damaged if access to sport was restricted.
Since 2012 the Authority has prohibited Canal Plus from holding exclusive distribution rights for premium channels such as beIN Sports for a period of five years. Canal Plus has asked for the ban to be lifted.