EU slaps a ban on German venture in digital pay-TV
Article Abstract:
A proposed alliance in digital-TV in Germany by Kirch Group, Bertelsmann AG and Deutsche Telekom AG was rejected on May 27, 1998, by the European Commission (EC). Most affected by the veto was Leo Kirch, who founded Kirch Group, the largest provider of television programming in Germany. Kirch's goal to build a digital-TV business in Germany would not materialize without an alliance with Bertelsmann, which would help financially in the German venture. Kirch Group, which had invested great amount to line up Hollywood programming intended for the planned German digital-TV business, reported the company will close DF-1, its existing digital service, upon learning of the EC's decision.
Comment:
Planned digital-TV venture in Germany w/ Kirch Group and Bertelsmann AG is vetoed on 5/27/98 by the European Commission
Publication Name: Wall Street Journal. Europe
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0921-9986
Year: 1998
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Murdoch to expand role in German media market
Article Abstract:
News Corp. founder and principal owner, Rupert Murdoch, is aiming to increase his stake in Vox, a German channel in which Murdoch already has a 49.9% investment. Murdoch stated that he is currently negotiating with Bertelsmann AG, who shares the remaining stake in Vox with Canal Plus SA, a French Pay-TV firm. Murdoch also stated in an interview with German news magazine Der Spiegel that his decision to step up his stake in Vox is part of his intent to expand his business in Germany. A spokesperson for Bertelsmann stated that the firm is not planning to give up its share in Vox easily.
Comment:
Founder & principal owner, Rupert Murdoch, is aiming to increase his stake in Vox of Germany, where he already has a 49.9% share
Publication Name: Wall Street Journal. Europe
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0921-9986
Year: 1998
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Bertelsmann unit sticks to guns on TV venture
Article Abstract:
Bertelsmann AG's television division, CLT-UFa, will not make any last-minute concessions to get the European Commission's approval for its proposed digital-television venture with Kirch Group. The unit, which reported a net loss of $2.9 billion Luxembourg francs in 1997, will push through with its Premiere pay-TV venture even if it is rejected by the commission. The commission has repeatedly threatened to stop the venture because of the fear that it might prevent competition in the digital-TV market in Germany.
Comment:
Proposes a digital-television venture with CLT-UFa
Publication Name: Wall Street Journal. Europe
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0921-9986
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
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