CNMC limits pay-TV operators’ use of public signals

Fulfilling a long-standing demand of the public TV network, the CNMC has stated that all public signals have to be aired entirely and simultaneously to the original broadcast, and cannot be used in part or as pre-recorded content. “Any other form of commercialisation will break Spain's general audiovisual legislation,” said the commission.

The decision follows RTVE's request for the CNMC to look into whether pay-TV operators were obeying the law in the way they currently distribute and exploit the public signals. RTVE's complaint comes after some operators were using the signals to complete other networks’ schedules, even when the content had already been broadcast on RTVE.

“The law doesn't establish that third-party operators may benefit commercially from the cession of RTVE's signals,” said the CNMC, adding that the public network “is free to ask pay-TV operators for remuneration for airing in-house content through linear channels”.

The competition authority recently ruled against RTVE regarding football rights and advertising.