France’s Canal+ Suspends Broadcast of TF1 Channels

After hitting a stalemate in negotiations, France’s Canal+ Group has halted the broadcast of TF1 Group’s channels.

TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI and their associated services have been dropped from Canal+. “This decision is the result of the intransigence of the TF1 Group, which abuses its market power and in, particular, its number one channel, to unilaterally impose on its distributors, including the Canal+ Group, payment to continue broadcasting its freely-available channels on DTT and the internet,” Canal+ said in a statement. “After having accepted five schedule extensions, the Canal + Group refuses to comply with TF1’s sixth carryover, which is a delaying tactic rather than a genuine intention to reach an agreement.”

TF1 is already engaged in a legal spat with Orange over a similar fee dispute.