French OTT Salto Approved by Antitrust Authority, Set for 2020 Launch

The French Competition Authority has given a green light to Salto, the joint platform project from TF1, M6 and France Télévisions, which is now due to launch in the first quarter of 2020.

The French Competition Authority’s authorization follows on the favorable ruling from the CSA (the French audiovisual regulator) on July 17. The project will be developed in compliance with the commitments given to the Competition Authority.

The Salto joint venture will be able to start operations with its commercial offer as quickly as Q1 2020.

Delphine Ernotte Cunci, CEO of France Télévisions, said: “Now that Salto has been approved, we will at last be able to put together Team France in broadcasting, which I have been longing for. The launch of the platform will very soon give us what we need to compete against international players on our own territory. And it will be a new way for the French and European creative industries to engage with their public.”

Gilles Pélisson, CEO of the TF1 group, added: “I am pleased that this project is becoming a reality, embodying as it does a new ambition for the French broadcasting industry. The Antitrust Authority’s ruling is a very positive sign, as it demonstrates that the authorities awareness for the need to support and accompany industry players in making the necessary innovative changes in order to face new challenges.”

Nicolas de Tavernost, chairman of the executive board of M6 Group, commented: “This ruling finally gives us the opportunity to work together to develop an offer and a platform that are in phase with changing usage. Our channels are popular with French people, our content is attractive and our technology is very advanced: all reasons to welcome the forthcoming launch of an ambitious joint offer like Salto.”