05.12.2025 17:34
The Competition Authority imposed a total administrative fine of 124 million lira on Med Yapım and Ay Yapım, two of Turkey's leading television production companies, on the grounds that they restricted competition. The Authority found that the two companies engaged in practices that affected competition, particularly in their overseas distribution processes.
Two major players in Turkey's TV series export, Med Yapım and Ay Yapım, have come under the scrutiny of the Competition Authority. The Authority imposed a total fine of 124 million lira on the companies for allegedly disrupting competition in their overseas distribution processes. The decision has once again brought to the forefront the impact of the Turkish TV series sector in the international market and the competitive tensions behind the scenes.
In a statement made by the Authority, it was noted that Turkey's high capacity in TV series and content production has turned the overseas distribution market into a strategic area that provides high added value to the country's economy.
For this reason, it was emphasized that identifying and eliminating structures and practices that limit competition in the distribution of series abroad is critically important for establishing a fair, open, and effective competitive environment for all actors in the sector. The statement included the following expressions:
EMPHASIS ON FAIR AND TRANSPARENT COMPETITION IN THE SECTOR
"As part of the investigation conducted within the institution, the establishment of a competitive structure in the market, strengthening our country's international position in TV series and content exports, enabling businesses operating in the sector to compete under fair conditions, supporting the competition of other actors contributing to the TV series and content production process, ensuring a transparent and multi-player structure in distribution channels, and ultimately enhancing the contribution of TV series and content production and export to our country's economy have been aimed."
The statement reminded that an investigation was opened against Med Yapım and Ay Yapım due to competition issues arising from the joint distribution of Turkish series abroad through MA Distribution Television and Film AŞ (MADD) and the exchange of sensitive information related to competition in labor markets. It was reported that the investigation was concluded by the Authority under commitment and settlement procedures.
76 MILLION TL FINE FOR AY YAPIM, 48 MILLION TL FINE FOR MED YAPIM
In the statement providing information about the fines imposed as a result of the investigation, it was stated, "Due to their violation of the relevant law by sharing current and competition-sensitive information regarding employee wages, Ay Yapım was fined 76 million lira and Med Yapım was fined 48 million lira. Regarding the competition issues arising from the joint distribution of the series produced by the mentioned companies abroad through MADD, the structural and behavioral commitments presented by the parties were accepted by the Authority and made binding on the parties."
MADD WILL BE LIQUIDATED
According to the commitment presented, it was stated that MADD would be dissolved and that no further joint distribution activities would be carried out by Ay Yapım and Med Yapım. It was noted that during the period foreseen for the disposal of MADD, this entity would be turned into a fully functional joint venture and managed by independent professional managers from the parent companies.
The statement indicated that comprehensive measures would be taken to definitively prevent the flow of competition-sensitive information among the employees of the mentioned companies during the approximately 12-month period until MADD's transfer to a suitable buyer, and the following was recorded:
INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR PERIOD IN SERIES EXPORT
"If the relevant commitment is not fulfilled within the specified period, it has been committed that one of the parties will transfer all of its shares in MADD to the other shareholder or that MADD will be liquidated. The distribution activities of Ay Yapım and Med Yapım will be limited to their own productions. In the absence of distribution activities, contents will be offered through independent distributors. In cases where production and distribution activities are carried out together, no partnership or joint control relationship will be established with other entities that carry out the same activities together. Exclusive agreements will not be made with national channels, actors, agencies, screenwriters, and directors. Provisions that would prevent buyers from working with other producers or distributors from Turkey will not be added to overseas distribution agreements. Series and contents will be presented to foreign customers in an equal, transparent, and separately sellable manner."