In Turkey, giants of the television series industry, Ay Yapim and Med Yapim, were slapped with a hefty fine of 124 million lira in total by the Competition Authority. Following this penalty, the two major companies decided to terminate their joint distribution structure. Here are the details...
Source: T24
The board announced in its decision that these companies were fined 76 million and 48 million lira respectively. Moreover, the operations of the distribution company MADD, run in partnership with the firms, will be halted and its distribution structure will be reorganized. Consequently, both production companies will have to distribute their own TV series.
The statement made about MADD is as follows:
'In the event that the relevant commitment cannot be fulfilled within the stipulated time, it has been pledged that one of the parties will transfer all of its shares in MADD to the other shareholder or that MADD will be liquidated. The distribution activities of Ay Yapım and Med Yapım will be limited to their own productions only. In cases where distribution activities are not carried out, the content will be offered through independent distributors. In situations where production and distribution activities are carried out together, no partnership or joint control relationship will be established with other enterprises conducting the same activities. National channels, actors, agencies, screenwriters, and directors will not enter into exclusive agreements. Provisions that would prevent buyers from working with other producers or distributors in Turkey will not be added to foreign distribution agreements. TV series and content will be offered to customers abroad in a manner that is equal, transparent, and individually sellable.'
And here's the further explanation 👇
'Within the scope of the investigation conducted within the institution, it is aimed to strengthen the international position of our country in series and content export along with the establishment of a competitive structure in the market. This is intended to support the competition of other actors contributing to the series and content production process, to ensure a transparent and multi-player structure in distribution channels, and ultimately to enhance the contribution of series and content production and export to our country's economy. Furthermore, it is also aimed to enable enterprises operating in the sector to compete under fair conditions.'