Spain to investigate broadcasters over in-show gambling advertising

Spain’s Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has begun disciplinary proceedings against national broadcasters Atresmedia and Mediaset regarding breaches of Spanish broadcast advertising laws.

The Spanish TV broadcasters have been accused of breaching Articles 14.2 and 14.4 of Spain’s broadcast and advertising policy by promoting gambling/adult content products during the broadcast of its scheduled TV content programming.

CNMC has accused Mediaset of breaching its policy by promoting casino brand PremierCasino.es during August and September 2014 broadcasts on its TV channel Cuatro. Artesmedia face disciplinary actions for its in-show promotion of Spanish bookmaker Sportium.es on broadcast channel NEOX.

Spanish broadcast advertising laws stipulate that advertising of adult focused content such as gambling must be separated from all forms of broadcast programming. CNMC has accused the broadcasters of promoting casino and sports betting messaging during broadcasts of popular TV shows – CSI, El Chringuito, Cine Cuatro and La Liga football programming.

If found guilty of breaching Spanish advertising laws, both broadcasters could face fine of between €100,000 – €500,000. CNMC outlined that it would investigation would conclude in four to six months.