Türkiye launches competition probe into 5 TV production, marketing firms
A production team is filming scenes of a Turkish drama with actor Paris Baktas and actress Yagmur Yuksel, Türkiye, April 30, 2024. (AP Photo)
The Turkish Competition Authority has initiated an investigation into five companies operating in the media sector, including those involved in TV production, distribution, and digital marketing. The inquiry will examine whether these firms have violated competition laws in Türkiye.
According to an announcement on the Competition Authority’s website, the probe will focus on the following companies: Med Yapim Televizyon ve Filmcilik Co. Inc. (MED Yapim), Ay Sanat Produksiyon ve Yapim Co. Inc. (AY Yapim), MA Distribution Televizyon ve Filmcilik Co. Inc. (MADD Entertainment), Yek Teknoloji Pazarlama Co. Inc. (MERZIGO), and Key Networks Holding Co. Inc. (KEY Networks).
Focus on domestic TV series distribution and labor market competition
The investigation will assess whether MED Yapim, AY Yapim, and MADD Entertainment have breached competition laws by engaging in activities that restrict competition in the distribution of domestic TV series abroad.
It will also scrutinize potential anti-competitive actions by MED Yapim and AY Yapim in the labor market.
Probe into potential exclusionary practices on YouTube
Additionally, the inquiry will investigate whether KEY Networks and MERZIGO, both providing TV content services via YouTube, have engaged in exclusionary practices aimed at sidelining their competitors within their economic ecosystem.
The Competition Authority clarified that the decision to launch an investigation does not imply that the companies or business associations involved have been found guilty or will face penalties.
The investigation aims to determine whether any actions have breached the Competition Law in Türkiye.
