BBC, ITV affected by $ 5.7 million in fines for freelancer Loon Collusion
Five of the largest sports and production companies in Great -Britain are punished by the UK Competition and Markets Authority for illegal sharing of sensitive information about freelancer -welding rates, with four companies instructing to pay £ 4.2 million ($ 5.7 million) to fines.
The CMA research showed that Sky, BT, IMG, ITV and BBC worked together on rates that were paid for freelance employees, including camera operators, sound technicians and producers who work on large football matches and rugby tournaments. The companies shared 15 occasions competitively sensitive information between couples of the broadcasters, with most stock exchanges explicitly aimed at coordinating freelancer compensation.
“We pay our studio vision mixers £ (x) per day for a shift service of 10x hours”, read an e -mail to a competitor, according to CMA findings. The answer: “That is exactly the same as we pay. Good to know that we are tuned there.”
Other exchanges that have been discovered by researchers who investigate e -mails and WhatsApp messages showed the intention of the companies to present “a united front” at rates. One message stated: “We think that some rates should be adjusted for 2022/23, but want to be aligned. Want to be clear that we are not going to get a bidding war, just want to be aligned and the rates benchmark.”
Another e -mail revealed the strategy of a company: “When we increase the rates, I always try to give the opinion not to cause too much ‘market’ disruption.”
The CMA found that such information can reduce market competition between competitors, making consumers, other companies and employees possible. With a large number of freelancers in the art and creative industry, the authority emphasized the importance of fair competition for work.
BT, IMG, ITV and BBC agreed to pay the fines, including discounts for allowing misconduct and arranging the case. BT, IMG and ITV received extra reductions under the CMA’s clement program after they have emerged about their involvement after unannounced visits to their buildings.
Sky escaped the financial fine completely by warning the CMA of his involvement before the investigation was started and fully collaborated during the process. According to competition law, companies that first report that the involvement of cartel is given the immunity of fines, while cooperating administrators can prevent disqualification.
