A major ruling is about to shake up Türkiye’s drama landscape. After reviewing allegations that Ay Yapım and Med Yapım exchanged competitively sensitive information on staff compensation, the competition authority moved forward with penalties, (USD 1.76 million) and Med Yapım to pay TRY 48 million (USD 1.12 million).
But the real turning point isn’t the fines. The ruling also requires a structural separation, meaning the two companies will no longer be allowed to operate through their joint distribution arm, MADD Entertainment.
Under the commitments, MADD Entertainment will either be divested or dissolved within 12 months. If that doesn’t happen, one of the partners must fully transfer its shares. During the transition, MADD will be managed by independent directors, and all information flow to Ay Yapım and Med Yapım will be cut.
With these commitments, the Turkish drama market is, for the first time, gaining such a comprehensive competitive framework:
- Ay Yapım and Med Yapım’s distribution activities will be limited solely to their own productions.
- In cases where distribution activities are not carried out directly, content will be offered through independent distributors.
- When production and distribution activities are conducted together, they will not enter into partnerships or shared control arrangements with other undertakings engaged in the same activities.
- Exclusive agreements with national broadcasters, actors, agencies, screenwriters, and directors will not be made.
- International distribution agreements will not include provisions that prevent buyers from working with other producers or distributors in Türkiye.
- Series and content will be presented to international clients in an equal, transparent manner, and sold separately.
