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Arcom to Exclude C8 and NRJ12 from TNT by February 2025; RéelsTV and OFTV to Replace Them

Dec 12, 2024, 09:37 AM

France's audiovisual regulator Arcom has confirmed the exclusion of television channels C8 and NRJ12 from the country's digital terrestrial television (TNT) platform effective February 28, 2025. The decision, announced on December 12, aims to bring more diversity to the French audiovisual landscape. C8, owned by the Canal+ group under billionaire Vincent Bolloré, and NRJ12 will be replaced by two new channels: RéelsTV, backed by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's CMI France group, launching on March 1, 2025, and OFTV, from the Ouest-France group, starting on September 1, 2025. The exclusion follows Arcom's emphasis on compliance and diversity, with C8 having accrued fines totaling €7.6 million due to controversies involving its star presenter Cyril Hanouna. Canal+ has announced plans to appeal the decision before the Council of State, citing significant job losses, including 250 positions, with 150 linked directly to C8's closure. C8 had launched a petition to retain its frequency, gathering over one million signatures. Additionally, Canal+ plans to withdraw its four pay channels from TNT in June 2025, further impacting the free-to-air television landscape. The departure of C8 and NRJ12 raises concerns for the approximately 20% of French viewers who rely solely on TNT for television access, potentially accelerating the transition to internet-based television services. Arcom is set to consult broadcasters on new channel numbering, with a decision expected in January. Cyril Hanouna announced that "Touche pas à mon poste" will continue on another platform after February 28. The developments mark a significant shift in France's broadcasting sector as regulators and networks navigate a changing media environment.