Grupo Prisa subsidiary Sogecable, which houses pay-TV outlet Canal Plus and digital satellite platform Canal Satelite Digital, has announced that it will join free TV stations Antena 3 and TeleCinco in the Union of Associated Commercial Broadcasters (UTECA).

The move comes at a time when the Spanish television market is set to grow with new digital TV licences. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of private television in Spain, in the form of Antena 3, TeleCinco and Canal Plus.

UTECA attempted to defend private broadcasters last year against an initiative requiring all networks to invest 5% of their gross annual earnings in European production. The initiative was passed, thanks to steadfast lobbying on the part of the Spanish Producers' Association (FAPAE).