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Spain Probes Telefonica Over Formula 1 TV Rights

By  |  May 4, 2023

The antitrust watchdog in Spain has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Telefonica regarding their agreement with DAZN to broadcast Formula 1 races in the years 2021-2023.

The CNMC will conduct an investigation to determine if the agreement between Telefonica and DAZN breaches the commitments made by Telefonica in 2015 to maintain competition after acquiring DTS, a cable TV operator.

Read more: Spain’s Watchdog Lowers Prices To Access Telefonica’s Infrastructure

According to a statement by CNMC, Telefonica had previously agreed to allow other pay-TV operators to access its content on fair and reasonable terms. Additionally, it agreed not to obtain exclusive broadcasting rights for TV channels produced by third parties in Spain.

Telefonica is currently facing disciplinary proceedings from Spain’s antitrust watchdog for potential violations of commitments made during its purchase of DTS in 2015.