In 2017, ProSiebenSat.1Puls 4 GmbH acquired 100% of the shares in ATV Privat GmbH and ATV Privat TV GmbH & Co KG, thereby gaining sole control.
Due to competition concerns voiced at the time and in order to maintain the diversity of opinion and media, the involved companies had to agree to fulfil a number of commitments before the merger could be given the go-ahead.
The agreement on commitments also included an amendment clause. Accordingly, the agreed commitments can, in exceptional circumstances, be re-evaluated with the involvement of the Austrian Federal Competition Authority, the Federal Cartel Prosecutor and the Austrian Communications Authority (KommAustria).
On 16 March 2020, ProSiebenSat.1Puls 4/ATV filed a request for amendment of the commitments relating to “News and information” in order to be able to react to the difficult situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Following an evaluation, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority, the Federal Cartel Prosecutor and KommAustria granted this request.
The amendment of the commitments is limited to 30 April 2020 or until the officially imposed lockdown is lifted (whichever happens first) and restricted to situations that are necessary to maintain newsroom operations. Any deviations from the commitments need to be documented and reasons given.
ProSiebenSat.1Puls 4/ATV merger commitments relating to “News and information” restricted until 30 April 2020 owing to coronavirus (COVID-19)