CNMC v Mediaset and Atresmedia could end in court
May 8, 2019
From David Del Valle in Madrid
Spain’s largest TV groups Mediaset and Atresmedia are in conflict with regulator CNMC over its proceedings against them following alleged unfair advertising practices.
The CNMC has refused to close the file against them without sanctions – as requested by the TV operators – and will continue to press forward with its case and possible record fines of up to €100 million each, around 10 per cent of their revenues.
Mediaset has announced that it will challenge and take the CNMC ruling to court, accusing the president of the regulatory body of “being biased and of ill will”.
“The refusal is not a surprise as a result of the ill will shown towards us by the president of the CNMC, José María Marín Quemada”, said Mediaset in a statement.
The CNMC started proceedings against them a year ago for taking advantage of their duopolistic position in the market controlling around 85 per cent of the TV ad pie.