The BBC, ITV, BT and IMG have been fined a combined £4.2 million after admitting to colluding on pay rates for freelance sports broadcasting staff, following a major investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The CMA found that the four companies had shared confidential information to coordinate how much they paid freelancers such as camera operators and sound technicians—undermining fair competition in the labour market.
Sky, which was also involved in the illegal discussions, avoided a financial penalty after reporting its own involvement to the regulator before the investigation began in 2022.
According to the CMA, the companies frequently exchanged details about rates and agreed not to compete. In one case, a business stated it had “no intention of getting into a bidding war” and instead wanted to “benchmark the rates” with a competitor. In another instance, a company said it aimed to “present a united front” on pay.
Sky was identified as the most frequent participant, involved in 10 separate infringements. BT and IMG were each found to have broken the rules six times and were fined £1.7 million each. ITV and the BBC were fined £340,000 and £420,000 respectively for five and three breaches.
All four organisations received reduced fines after admitting liability and settling the case.
Juliette Enser, executive director of competition enforcement at the CMA, said the practice unfairly impacted freelance workers behind the scenes of sports broadcasts. “Millions watch sports on TV each day, with production teams working hard to make that possible – and it’s only right they’re paid fairly,” she said. “Companies should set pay rates independently to keep the market competitive. Not doing so can leave workers out of pocket.”
Each of the broadcasters issued statements in response to the ruling.
A BBC spokesperson said the organisation had cooperated fully and admitted its role in the breaches as soon as possible. “We highly value the freelancers we work with and will continue to invest in and develop talent,” they added.
ITV said it had strengthened compliance measures across the business, stating it is “fully committed to competition law.”
IMG confirmed it had taken all necessary steps to address past compliance issues, while BT said it had introduced additional safeguards to ensure its competition law obligations are embedded across the organisation.
Sky has not yet issued a public comment.