Universal Syndication has told television stations and networks that they cannot have the rights to play"Friends" 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 can be considered a tying arrangement, which occurs when a seller requires a buyer to purchase an undesirable product (in this case, Charlie Chan movies, Tony Orlando and Dawn, and Rin Tin Tin reruns) in order to obtain a desired product (in this case, Friends reruns). Tying arrangements may violate federal antitrust law if they have an anti-competitive effect on the relevant market. While this may not always be the case, it should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Universal Syndication Has Told Television Stations and Networks That They