The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets concludes that more research is needed into the takeover of RTL by DPG Media. The market watchdog therefore wants to conduct a follow-up investigation to 'further investigate the possible adverse consequences of the takeover'.
The takeover would create a media company with a wide range of television, video streaming, radio, newspapers and online news, writes the ACM.
“Through the acquisition of RTL, DPG will obtain an even stronger position as a provider of paid and unpaid general news, both online and offline. The acquisition may therefore enable DPG to reduce the quality and accessibility of general news services. For example, by publishing news articles about distributing multiple channels instead of creating them separately, or limiting the size of unpaid news. If so, this could lead to a reduction in the size, quality and diversity of the general news offering to consumers,” he said. ACM.
In addition, DPG may be able to offer a broader advertising package to advertisers due to the large amount of user data that the company has. DPG Media says it wants to be able to take action in this way against large tech companies such as Google and Meta, which now dominate the online advertising market. But these large numbers could be unfavorable for other media companies, which would therefore not be able to compete sufficiently, the market regulator said. RTL can strengthen its negotiating position vis-à-vis the ANP news agency. This could also have negative consequences for other news platforms, the market watchdog says.
The takeover could also have an adverse effect on the employment conditions of journalists, because DPG may acquire or strengthen purchasing power after the takeover of RTL. The ACM therefore wants to conduct more research into the consequences of the takeover for the position of both permanent journalists and freelancers. According to the ACM, DPG, which is the parent company of Tweakers, and RTL must indicate whether they want to continue with the acquisition, which amounts to 1.1 billion euros. If so, they must apply for a permit for the takeover. This permit will be followed by an 'in-depth investigation into the consequences of the takeover', in which the Media Authority is also involved. A decision will be made by the ACM within thirteen weeks.
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