The BBC and ITV are amongst seven corporations being investigated by the Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA) for suspected breaches of competitors legislation when hiring freelance crew.
The CMA stated it has opened a probe into suspected breaches in relation to “the acquisition of freelance companies and the employment of workers supporting the manufacturing, creation and/or broadcasting of tv content material within the UK, excluding sport content material”.
It is usually investigating manufacturing corporations Hartswood Movies, Hat Trick Productions, Crimson Planet Footage, Sister Footage and Tiger Side Productions.
The CMA stated it launched its investigation below part 25 of the Competitors Act 1998 (CA98), which seeks to forestall the “prevention, restriction or distortion of competitors” in Britain, including it “believes it has affordable grounds to suspect a number of breaches of competitors legislation”.
An announcement stated: “The CMA has not reached a view as as to whether there may be ample proof of an infringement of competitors legislation for it to subject a press release of objections to any occasion or events.
“Not all circumstances end result within the CMA issuing a press release of objections and no assumption must be made at this stage that the CA98 has been infringed.”
ITV stated: “ITV confirms that along with different organisations it has obtained a case initiation discover from the CMA.
“ITV is dedicated to complying with competitors legislation and to co-operating with the CMA’s inquiries.
“ITV doesn’t suggest to remark additional at this stage.”
A BBC spokesperson stated: “The BBC notes the Competitors and Markets Authority’s announcement and can totally co-operate with the CMA’s inquiries.”
Crimson Planet stated: “We have now obtained a request for data from the CMA and we’re co-operating with their investigation.”
Hartswood Movies, Sister Footage, Hat Trick, and Tiger Side have been contacted for remark.