Competition Commission refers media companies for prosecution
On 27 February 2018, the Competition Commission of South Africa issued a statement indicating that 28 media companies have been referred to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution on charges of price fixing and the fixing of trading conditions. The Competition Commission found that the companies in question had restricted competition amongst competing companies, as they did not independently determine discounts, and in doing so fixed the price and trading terms in contravention of the Competition Act 89 of 1998.
The Competition Commission seeks an order declaring that the media companies contravened the Competition Act, and are liable to pay penalties. Independent Media (Pty) Limited, Caxton & CTP Publishers and Printers Limited, and DSTV Media Sales (Pty) Limited have admitted to the charges in relation to this matter, and in settlement have agreed to pay administrative penalties and contribute towards the Economic Development Fund over the next three years.
The Competition Commission’s media statement is accessible here.
The 28 companies are as follows:
- SABC
- Media 24
- Primedia
- Mail & Guardian
- Avusa Media
- Mtv Network Africa
- Media 24 Magazines
- Primedia Outdoor
- Cinemark
- Comutanet
- Conde Nast Independent Magazine
- The Citizen
- Spark Media
- Apurimac Media
- Provantage Media
- Radmark
- Carpe Diem Media
- Rodale And Touchline
- Mandla-Matla Publishing
- Ramsay Media
- Lugan Investments
- Associated Media
- Associated Hearst
- Capro
- Trudon
- United Stations
- Continental Outdoor
- Media Credit Co-ordinators