Abstract
The platformisation of the television industry has produced a further horizontal and vertical integration of the value chain. This chapter focuses on the renewed merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in (and between) television broadcasting and distribution and discusses the implications of M&A activity for competition, industrial and media policymaking. It provides an overview of recent M&A activity in television markets and discusses the impact of M&A on competition and diversity. The chapter outlines remedies and recommendations for policymakers. While some would claim policy action with regards to platforms is premature, it is argued some intervention is necessary with an eye on securing fair competition, market entry from new players and media pluralism. This call for policy intervention is even more urgent in Europe, where industries are increasingly controlled by US-owned platforms and Asian equipment vendors. The giant merger between Time Warner and AT&T is presented as a case note.
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Evens, T., Donders, K. (2018). Policing the Platforms. In: Platform Power and Policy in Transforming Television Markets. Palgrave Global Media Policy and Business. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74246-5_7
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