Spain: FORTA, DTTs to claim damages over TV ad abuse
November 19, 2019
From David Del Valle in Madrid
The recent record CNMC fine of almost €80 million on Mediaset and Atresmedia for illegal ad practices has led regional TV stations, represented by Federación de Organismos de Radio y Televisión Autonómicos (FORTA), and smaller DTT channels to claim for damages of up to €70 million to €100 million from the largest TV broadcasters.
The CNMC ruling stated that the illegal ad practices (ad sales in packages, extra ad commission) hindered the entry of third parties in the advertising market, causing damage to other players.
FORTA believes, according to El Español, that the regional TV channels have the right to claim for the damages as they lost significant ad revenues as a result of the now deemed illegal ad practices.
Smaller DTTs such as Ten, DKiss and Real Madrid TV are also likely to claim for damages.