Pay-TV giant Canal+ Group has suspended distribution of many channels from French broadcaster TF1 Group in France, Switzerland and across Africa after negotiations broke down.
The move comes shortly after TF1 Group and Netflix officially launched a distribution partnership in France. Since June 19, Netflix subscribers in the country have been able to access content from TF1+, France’s largest commercial network’s VOD service, directly within the platform at no additional charge to their existing subscription.
With this launch, Netflix subscribers now have access to thousands of hours of on-demand programming in addition to live broadcasts from five channels: TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Series Films and 24-hour news channel LCI.
Canal+ Group “confirms that talks with TF1 Group have broken down” and announced that it will end distribution of its theme channels TV Breizh, Ushuaïa TV and Istoire TV in France and Switzerland.
However, Canal+ subscribers in France will continue to receive TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 series movies, LCI channels, and their missed services.
Canal+ Group added that it will also discontinue distribution of some of TF1 Group’s channels in Africa. The affected channels are TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV, and Histoire TV.
“Despite our readiness to improve the terms of TF1 in all respects, despite months of negotiations, we were unable to reach a comprehensive agreement,” Canal Plus Group said in a statement.
Canal+ Group added: “We remain open to dialogue and are ready to resume discussions with the aim of reaching an agreement on reasonable, balanced and sustainable terms that protect the interests of both groups.”
TF1 Group said it regretted Canal+’s decision, which “deprives its loyal viewers of a channel they cherish.”
It added: “We reaffirm our commitment to providing access to high quality, rich and diverse content to as many people as possible in France and Africa, and remain committed to ensuring that our channels and their content are accessible to our viewers wherever they are.”
It concluded that the Canal+ decision will cause TF1 Group to “reflect on its distribution partnership strategy against the backdrop of very strong growth in digital distribution”.
