Cartel office blocks online commercial broadcasters platform

German commercial broadcasters ProSieben Sat.1 and RTL Deutschland are facing disapproval from the federal cartel office for their plan to launch a joint online video platform, according to the Financial Times Deutschland citing confirmation from both broadcasters. The cartel office has sent a preliminary report about the cooperation to the broadcasters signaling several possible cartel problems. The dominant position of the channels from both broadcasters on the German TV market is the major obstacle for the cartel office. Both broadcasters now want to negotiate with the office to come to approval with conditions, enabling to them to launch the online video platform offering content broadcasted on their channels up to seven days after the original broadcasts for free. The broadcasters have until 10 March to react to the letter of the cartel office.