Turkish Competition Authority Imposes New Requirements on Netflix…
The Turkish Competition Authority, Rekabet Kurumu, has introduced new binding obligations for streaming giant Netflix regarding its production of original Turkish content. The regulations aim to promote competition and diversity within the local film and TV industry and ensure fairer market conditions for Turkish production companies.
Under the new rules, Netflix must collaborate with production companies it has not previously partnered with for a portion of its original Turkish series and films. This measure is designed to open up the market, providing opportunities for new, independent actors to participate in producing internationally distributed series and films.
Additionally, Netflix is mandated to use objective criteria when selecting content for its platforms. The practice of exclusive agreements for Turkish content, common in the industry, is also set to end, ensuring content is evaluated based on quality and relevance rather than existing relationships or market dominance.
These changes by Rekabet Kurumu represent a significant step towards ensuring fair competition and preventing monopolisation within Turkey’s growing content production sector. By enforcing broader collaboration and objectivity, the authority hopes to strengthen small and medium-sized production companies and foster innovation in a market that has experienced substantial growth in recent years.
While this could lead to a more dynamic landscape for Turkish film and TV production, potentially increasing the number of independent productions reaching an international audience via Netflix, it also means an adjustment for the streaming giant' s business strategy in one of its key growth markets.
The move signals an active role by Turkish authorities in shaping the operating environment for global players with significant market power in the country, ensuring local interests are protected and competition is promoted.
Source: Bloomberght
