The General Rapporteur of the Autorité de la concurrence has formally notified objections concerning potential abuse of a dominant position in the pay TV sector. This action is part of an ongoing investigation initiated on September 25, 2024, aimed at uncovering anticompetitive practices in the acquisition and broadcast of cinematographic works.

The statement of objections serves as an investigative act that opens inter partes proceedings, allowing the involved parties to defend their positions. It is important to note that this statement does not imply any presumption of guilt regarding the entities involved. The investigation will include written observations and an oral hearing to determine the validity of the objections.

Furthermore, the Autorité de la concurrence is permitted to communicate on statements of objections under Article L. 463-6 of the French Commercial Code, which allows for the publication of information related to anticompetitive practices in the public interest while maintaining the presumption of innocence for the companies involved.

This approach aligns with practices adopted by other European competition authorities, including the European Commission and those from Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, and Portugal.