Spanish regulator CNMC has imposed a record €40 million fine on each of the largest TV companies in the country – Mediaset and Atresmedia (around 4.5 per cent of their revenues) – for “hindering the entry and expansion of third operators in the TV ad market in Spain” and thus breaking the competition legislation.

With the sanction, the CNMC, which has been investigating the case for almost two years, aims to limit the advertising power of both groups, which control over 85 per cent of the overall TV ad market and over 95 per in the FTA sector, with a combined audience share of 55 per cent.

Mediaset and Atresmedia will appeal the CNMC ruling and the sanction. CNMC has ruled that both were carrying out unfair competition by imposing investment ad quotas on advertisers and agencies, and by the joint sale of TV ads in packages, among other practises.

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