America TV and Canal 9 leave ATA: what implications does their disassociation have

On March 13, América TV and Canal 9 jointly announced their disassociation from the Argentine Association of Television Broadcasters (ATA), in a historic simulcast led by Rolando Graña and Claudio Rígoli. The decision was communicated to the audience in a simultaneous broadcast on both channels, generating significant repercussions in the television sector.

The two channels explained that the decision was due to the lack of timely responses and the slow pace in addressing key issues for the industry. According to statements from both media outlets, ATA did not offer adequate solutions to crucial problems affecting the operability and competitiveness of open channels. Among the most highlighted issues were regulatory asymmetries with digital platforms, the lack of adaptation of labor agreements, and matters related to official advertising and copyright.

Canal 9's statement specified that, despite repeated requests for attention, they did not receive the necessary support to solve these urgent issues. Meanwhile, América TV expressed that the differences with ATA had been longstanding, especially due to the initiatives they unsuccessfully tried to promote within the association.

The future of the television sector in Argentina

The departure of Canal 9 and América TV leaves Telefe and El Trece as the only major commercial channels within ATA. This change has caused speculation about a possible reconfiguration of the industry's representation in future negotiations with the Government and other regulatory bodies.

Sources close to both channels indicated that this disassociation could be related to discrepancies over the distribution of advertising resources, the association's policy, and the need for greater autonomy in an increasingly competitive television market. Additionally, it is speculated that this move could be the prelude to a disassociation of the channels from traditional audience measurement systems like IBOPE, which would mean a significant change in how these media evaluate their reach.

What is ATA in Argentina?

The Argentine Association of Television Broadcasters (ATA)was founded in 1959 and groups 21 private open and free television channels, representing 90% of the country's total viewership. Its objective is to promote the national audiovisual industry and represent the interests of its members before government authorities. Additionally, ATA plays a key role in adapting the sector to the digital era, leveraging technological advances and opportunities that arise with innovation in media.

This change in ATA's composition marks a milestone in Argentine television, opening new possibilities for the industry in the face of the challenges of the digital environment and the growing competition from streaming platforms.