Media, Multimedia, and European Community Antitrust Law

This Article discusses the main European Community (“EC”) antitrust law issues that have arisen in the media industries or which are especially relevant to media. Part I discusses general principles and directives that influence multimedia law. Part II examines the relevant markets which relate to multimedia. Part III reviews evidence of dominance within multimedia.

Part IV discusses the impact multimedia has had upon broadcasting sports events within the European Union (“EU”). Part IV also considers film catalogues and performing rights societies. Part V explores mergers within the media sector. Part VI discusses conditional access systems.

Finally, the Article concludes that the European media industry has yet to fully comprehend the interrelationship of media and EC Antitrust law. Therefore, the issues presented and discussed throughout this Article will continue to appear throughout the courts of the Member States.