Competition regulator OKs TF1 acquisition of DTT channels

France’s competition regulator has given a conditional green light to commercial broadcaster TF1’s acquisition of a 40% stake in digital-terrestrial TV channels TMC and NT1.

The regulator has approved the deal on condition that commitments are made regarding advertising, rights acquisitions and programming to ensure that the digital-terrestrial channels are not weakened as a result.

Specifically, TF1 has reportedly agreed to keep the channels’ advertising operations separate from its own, while cross-promotion of TMC and NT1 programmes on TF1 is forbidden.