The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has noted recent reports of negotiations to rationalise the pay TV industry and is aware of concerns that Foxtel may lose supply of certain programs should problems occur at short notice in the near future.
The ACCC has been kept informed of developments between Optus and News over temporary arrangements which could be put into place to address this concern, and provided such arrangements are only transitional they would not be of concern to the ACCC, ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today.
This would protect the position of Foxtel viewers and reinforce confidence in the fledgling pay TV industry in the event of a breakdown in program supply, he said.
The ACCC has no views at this time on any wider ranging arrangements regarding rationalisation of pay TV programming, nor has it seen any proposals to this effect.
To the extent that there is any 'tacit approval' of anything by the ACCC it refers to the possible temporary arrangements above only.
For further information about this media release Professor Allan Fels, Chairman, (03) 9290 1812 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (02) 6264 2808
