The Spanish regulator CNMC has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mediaset and Atresmedia for breaches of the country’s General Law on Audiovisual Communication.
Mediaset and its TV channels Telecinco, Cuarto amd FDF, and Atresmedia and its TV channel La Sexta are accused of exceeding the transmission time allowed for advertsing and teleshopping messages.
These are seen as minor infringements and can incur fines of up to €100,000.
However, the two broadcasters are also accused of a more serious breach of the law related to advertising breaks in some programmes.
These can incur fines of between €100,001 and €500,000.
The CNMC has a maximum of six months tow investigate and resolve the case, while the broadcasters have 15 days to submit their comments.