French pay-TV giant Canal+ Group has ended its distribution of several TF1 Group channels in France, Switzerland, and across Africa after months of negotiations collapsed. The move affects channels including TV Breizh, Ushuaia TV, and Histoire TV in France and Switzerland, and a broader set of channels on the African continent.
According to Variety, Canal+ said it "acknowledges that discussions with the TF1 Group have broken down," adding that "despite several months of negotiations, it was unable to reach a comprehensive agreement, even though it was prepared to improve the terms in every respect for TF1."
Canal+ subscribers in France will still receive TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Series Films, and the 24-hour news channel LCI, along with their catch-up services. The disruption is more significant in Africa, where Canal+ will also cease carrying TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Series Films, LCI, Ushuaia TV, and Histoire TV.
The breakdown comes shortly after TF1 Group launched a distribution partnership with Netflix in France. Since June 19, Netflix subscribers in the country have been able to access content from TF1+, the broadcaster's VOD service, directly within the Netflix platform at no extra cost. That deal gives Netflix users live access to five TF1 Group channels alongside thousands of hours of on-demand programming.
TF1 Group said it regretted Canal+'s decision, "which deprives loyal viewers of the channels they value." The broadcaster added that it "reaffirms its commitment to offering as many people as possible, in France and in Africa, access to high-quality, rich and diverse content."
TF1 also said that Canal+'s move would lead it to "reflect on its distribution partnership strategy in a context of very strong growth in digital distribution," a statement that suggests the Netflix deal may become a template rather than an exception.
Canal+ said it "remains open to dialogue and is willing to resume discussions with a view to reaching an agreement based on reasonable, balanced and sustainable terms that safeguard the interests of both groups." No timeline for resumed talks has been announced.
