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Access to broadcasting platforms in multi-sided markets

Forte, Manuela (2010) Access to broadcasting platforms in multi-sided markets. Advisor: Pardolesi, Prof. Roberto. pp. 187. [IMT PhD Thesis]

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Abstract

Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction to the dissertation. Chapter 2 describes the functioning of the broadcasting market, with particular emphasis on the platforms involved, in order to prepare the reader for the analysis of platform competition strategies that follows. I discuss so-called “multi sided market theory”, and describe some examples of platforms. In this context I point out that the broadcasting sector involves both vertical integration, horizontal integration and multi-sided market platforms, and the theme of access to platforms is discussed with reference to all three types. In chapter 3 I stress that multi-sided platforms are pervaded by externalities. For this reason I deal with price allocation on the two sides of the market in order to demonstrate that price allocation by the platform is not neutral. Then I discuss the existence of price differences in one-sided and two-sided markets with both single homing and multihoming, and with exclusive and non-exclusive services. In chapter 4 under the leitmotiv of the evolution of pluralism of information, I review the main Italian Constitutional Court judgments on this topic and the ex ante regulation of the broadcasting sector in Italy, verifying whether the existing antitrust limits are still consistent with the current level of technology, considering the DVB-T broadcasting technique and the sale of frequencies on the secondary market. In chapter 5 I describe the various relevant broadcasting markets in accordance with European Commission case decisions. I demonstrate that the activities of multi-sided broadcasting platforms are subject to Article 81 and 82 of the European Treaty, just like any other integrated platform, since in any case they can determine input or customer foreclosure. Furthermore I deal with the relationship between media broadcasting and the social value of sport with reference to the many antitrust cases in the broadcasting sector concerning the sale of sports event rights to media platforms, and I discus Italian Law 9/2008 which establishes the collective trading of such rights. Chapter 6 considers the issue of access to content by focusing on emerging multi-sided platforms. I compare them with the vertically integrated platforms and discuss the potential of multi-sided platforms to remove entry barriers to the sector by means of unbundling, which is made possible by the must-offer and must-carry obligations introduced into Italy by the most recent legislation. Chapter 7 contains my conclusions.

Item Type: IMT PhD Thesis
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
PhD Course: Economics, Markets, Institutions
Identification Number: 10.6092/imtlucca/e-theses/40
NBN Number: urn:nbn:it:imtlucca-27075
Date Deposited: 11 Jul 2012 10:34
URI: http://e-theses.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/40

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