The audiovisual content industry and digital platforms: An analysis from the perspective of antitrust law

Abstract

Recent technological developments have led to important changes in the competition dynamics of the audiovisual content industry. The digitalization and easier access to the internet have increased the supply and demand of these types of products. The entry of new economic agents and new production and distribution methods must force us to reconsider the applicable antitrust policy for this industry.
In light of this, this paper proposes we focus the analysis on the competition between suppliers for the consumers’ attention. Consequently, the authors explore the definition of relevant market in the audiovisual content industry and digital platforms traditionally welcomed by Latin-American, European and American regulatory bodies and competition agencies (with a special emphasis on the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney), as well as analyze the way these work and the possible obstacles to free competition inside them.