Governance & Compliance

The DVFA Scorecard for Corporate Governance is a tool that investment professionals can use to get a good picture of a company's corporate governance performance and compare it with that of other companies. The scorecard is not only based on the German Corporate Governance Code, but also takes into account legal requirements and international standards. In the evaluation of the DVFA Scorecard for Corporate Governance, the companies included in the DAX and MDAX were analyzed again in 2020. ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE ranked 3rd in the MDAX.

The Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE is also convinced that sustainable economic success in a competitive environment can be achieved only by ensuring that business practices comply with the applicable laws. In addition to preventing corruption, the Company particularly focuses on antitrust legislation and media law, as well as legal provisions on data protection. ProSiebenSat.1 Group has implemented a compliance management system (CMS) to monitor compliance with the law. The main objective of the CMS is to ensure that all employees always think and act with integrity and in accordance with the guidelines and regulations, and thus to prevent law- and rule-breaking actions. The Compliance Committee and the Group Compliance department headed by Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) build up the central compliance organisation, which receive assistance in fulfilling its duties from experts in other departments, such as the Legal department. In addition, the associated Group companies have been appointed Unit Compliance Officers (UCO), who are responsible for the CMS there and are in direct contact with the respective subject experts. The CCO is entrusted with implementing the CMS in the Group, carries out risk analyses and training, and advises the Executive Board on the development and implementation of appropriate measures to minimize risks.

ProSiebenSat.1 Group does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, ethnic background and nationality, sex and gender identity, religion and ideology, or sexual orientation and identity. The Group promotes a corporate culture that forbids any type of sexual violence or abuse of power. For years, we have taken up a clear position against such behavior with our Code of Conduct. For example, all employees are encouraged to report discrimination or violations of other principles set out in the Code of Conduct to the Company’s Compliance Officers. In addition, we provide the workforce all over Germany with mandatory training on the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG). Via the private media association VAUNET, we participate in the Themis advice center against sexual harassment and violence, which provides assistance for those affected in the film, television and theater industry.

ProSiebenSat.1 Group has laid down basic guidelines and policies in its Code of Conduct. These guidelines define the general standards for conduct in business, legal and ethical matters and also govern how employees can report misconduct in the Company. They serve all members of the Executive Board, the management of subsidiaries of ProSiebenSat.1 Group, and the employees of ProSiebenSat.1 Group as a binding reference and regulatory framework for dealing both with each other and with business partners, customers, suppliers, and other third parties. Following a fundamental review and adoption in 2021, a new Code of Conduct came into force in January 2022, which replaces the previous Code and is intended to act as a unifying element across all segments of ProSiebenSat.1 Group. It sets minimum standards for responsible conduct, provides guidance with everyday work and sets out the necessary operational framework for ProSiebenSat.1’s business activities.

Another central compliance instrument for ProSiebenSat.1 Group is the whistleblower system. In addition to internal reporting channels, it is also possible to report legal violations anonymously via an external Ombuds Office.

Owing to progressive digitalization and new business models, more and more personal data is being generated and processed in a wide variety of ways. That also applies to ProSiebenSat.1 Group with its diverse range of entertainment services and the different commerce companies in the portfolio. In this context, data protection protects the right to privacy and to information control, i.e. the right of each individual to control the disclosure and use of his or her own personal data. Our goal is to handle this data carefully and protect it from misuse.

Provisions for the protection of youth are also covered by the CMS in the context of media regulation. A key role is given to the youth protection officers at ProSiebenSat.1 Group, who are tasked with making sure that all TV and online content for which the Group is responsible is offered in an age-appropriate way. The goal is to make it difficult for children and underaged people to gain access to content that is unsuitable for their age group.

Dialogue with employees, customers and business partners is important to us and, along with the Code of Conduct, an important component of our compliance management system. If you have questions, you can contact the following referent person:

Dr. Anne Meckbach
Chief Compliance Officer
compliance@prosiebensat1.com

 
If you would like to make a note, you can contact the following persons: 

Hogan Lovells International LLP
Karl-Scharnagl-Ring 5
80539 München