Competition Commission Sends Issues Letters To Granada Merger Companies

The Competition Commission yesterday sent letters to the main parties involved in the proposed acquisitions by Granada of Carlton Communications and United News and Media (see Granada Referred To The Competition Commission). The letter, which highlights those matters which have been identified by the investigating group for further consideration, was made public in order to allow interested parties to prepare any further points to be raised with the Commission next week.

The current proposal will see the inquiry consider the appropriate definitions of the markets affected by either merger for viewers, advertising and programming; advertising markets, including whether and if so to what extent advertising on ITV is complimentary to or substitutable for advertising on other terrestrial, commercial channels; programming and programme production markets and other matters including the effect of either merger upon any actual perceived North/South divide between ITV licensees/franchisees and how either of the merged entities would comply with the requirements of its licences.