The Polish competition authority UOKiK has approved the acquisition of a majority stake in the national commercial broadcaster TVN by Scripps Networks Interactive.
Specifically, it has given the all clear for Southbank Media, a wholly owned subsidiary of Scripps, which operates TV channels and supplies internet content, mostly in the US, to assume 100% control of N-vision, the owner of TVN. The acquisition has also been cleared by Ireland’s competition authority.
In a statement, the UOKiK says that its analysis “showed that the acquisition will affect the TV advertising market, particularly the sale of TV commercial time, but not will not lessen competition. The two companies’ combined market position comes thanks in large measure to the strength of N-Vision, while Southbank’s market share is marginal. Following the acquisition, Southbank Media will compete on the media market mainly with Telewizja Polska and Cyfrowy Polsat, both Polish mass media companies”.
It adds that during its proceeding, it asked TV broadcasting companies and the largest advertisers to assess the acquisition and the effect it will have on Poland’s TV ad market. The Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) and National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) were also consulted.
Scripps’ acquisition of a controlling stake in TVN was first announced this March.
