Some of the UK’s biggest sports broadcasters and production firms have been fined more than £4.2m after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found they colluded on freelance pay rates.
The investigation revealed that BT, IMG, ITV, Sky and the BBC shared sensitive information about fees for camera operators, sound technicians, producers and other freelancers.
This included day rates and special holiday rates, often with the explicit aim of aligning how much they paid.
The governing body uncovered evidence from emails and WhatsApp messages between the companies.
In one exchange, a broadcaster wrote: “We pay our studio vision mixers £(X) per day for a 10x hour shift.”
Another replied: “That’s exactly the same as we pay. Good to know we are aligned there.”
In another email, a company told a rival: “On this occasion I think it sensible that we present a united front.”
The CMA believes that sharing this type of information reduces competition and can lead to worse outcomes for workers, consumers and other businesses.
BT, IMG, ITV and the BBC admitted to breaking competition law and agreed to pay fines totalling £4,240,356.
Sky avoided a financial penalty after reporting its own involvement before the investigation began and fully cooperating under the regulator’s leniency programme.
BT, IMG and ITV also received reduced fines for assisting the investigation after unannounced CMA inspections.
The organisation said the case is a reminder that companies must set their pay rates independently and ensure staff involved in recruitment understand competition law.
Firms that co-operate fully can see their penalties reduced or, in some cases, avoid fines altogether.
The regulator is urging businesses to provide regular training on competition law and to seek legal advice if there is uncertainty about whether practices are anti-competitive.