French Competition Authority investigates abuse of dominance in paid TV

The French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence) has formally notified an unnamed company of grievances regarding an alleged abuse of a dominant position in the paid television and film acquisition and broadcasting sectors. The investigation, which began following an ex officio referral in September 2024, centers on the imposition of “unfair transaction conditions” on commercial partners.

The specific nature of these conditions—whether they involve pricing, contractual clauses, or other unbalanced requirements—has not been disclosed. The affected partners are believed to be film producers and rights holders who license content for broadcasting.

The notification of grievances marks the beginning of a contradictory procedure, allowing the accused company to access the case file and contest the allegations both legally and factually. The Authority has emphasized that this step is an investigative measure and does not constitute a final judgment of guilt.