Universal Syndication has told television stations and networks that they cannot have the rights to play The Cosby Show reruns unless they also agree to take packages of Charlie Chan movies, Tony Orlando and Dawn, and Rin Tin Tin reruns. The stations and networks complain that Chan movies, Tony, and Rin Tin Tin reruns do not draw viewers and that they have trouble selling the ad time on such shows. Universal Syndication's requirement:

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Universal Syndication's requirement is a tying arrangement, where the sale of one product (The Cosby Show reruns) is tied to the sale of another product (Charlie Chan movies, Tony Orlando and Dawn, and Rin Tin Tin reruns). Tying arrangements can be a violation of federal antitrust law if they have a significant impact on competition and are not justified by any procompetitive benefits. In this case, the stations and networks are complaining that the additional shows do not draw viewers and are hard to sell ad time on. Therefore, it may be seen as an anticompetitive practice, making it a potential violation of federal antitrust law.

Universal Syndication Has Told Television Stations and Networks That They