Italy proposes investigation of Vivendi stakes in Mediaset and TIM

ROME: Italy has drawn up legislation to start an investigation into French group Vivendi’s stakes in Italian broadcaster Mediaset and former phone monopoly Telecom Italia, two sources told Reuters on Friday.

The proposed law would allow the communications watchdog to conduct a six-month inquiry into companies operating in both the telecoms and media sectors to ascertain whether they hold positions that could reduce media plurality.

The investigation would also take in companies with stakes in operators working in the two sectors, according to a draft seen by Reuters.