March 21, 2025
Some of the UK’s largest sports broadcasting and production companies have been fined a total of £4,240,356 after admitting to colluding on pay rates for freelance workers, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced today.
Following an investigation, the CMA found that Sky, BT, IMG, ITV, and the BBC exchanged sensitive information regarding fees for freelancers, including camera operators and sound technicians. The findings uncovered 15 instances where pairs of companies unlawfully coordinated pay rates, sometimes with the explicit aim of preventing competition.
Details of the Fines and Admissions
Four of the companies—BT, IMG, ITV, and the BBC—will pay financial penalties, while Sky has been exempt from fines for being the first to report its involvement before the investigation began. The individual fines, reflecting leniency discounts for cooperation, are as follows:
- BT (£1,738,453) – Six infringements between 2014 and 2021
- IMG (£1,737,820) – Six infringements between 2016 and 2021
- ITV (£339,918) – Five infringements between 2014 and 2018
- BBC (£424,165) – Three infringements between 2016 and 2021
- Sky – No fine due to early disclosure
Unlawful Coordination of Pay
The investigation found that the companies shared information to align freelancer pay and avoid bidding wars. In one instance, a business stated it wanted to “present a united front” with a competitor. Another firm explicitly said it had “no intention of getting into a bidding war” and wanted to benchmark rates collaboratively.
Juliette Enser, Executive Director for Competition Enforcement at the CMA, emphasized the importance of fair pay practices in the labour market. “Millions watch sports on TV daily, with production teams working behind the scenes to make this possible. Companies should set rates independently to ensure fair pay and competition.”
CMA’s Enforcement Approach
The CMA has stressed that businesses engaging in cartel-like behaviour can receive immunity or reduced fines if they come forward with information and fully cooperate.
In addition to this case, the CMA announced it is closing a separate investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices in non-sports TV production. Instead of imposing fines, the CMA will issue guidance to the companies involved, including BBC, ITV, and several independent production houses, to ensure compliance with competition law moving forward.
The CMA plans to publish updated guidance on preventing anti-competitive practices in labour markets in the coming months.
