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French Media Groups Protest Free TV Streaming Plan by Mobile Operator Free
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A coalition of major French television networks is challenging a new streaming offer from mobile operator Free,owned by Xavier Niel,arguing it undermines the established broadcasting ecosystem. The dispute centers on Free’s plan to offer access to live TV channels without requiring a customary subscription.
The Controversy: Free’s New Streaming Offer
Several prominent French media groups, including TF1, France Télévisions, and M6, have expressed strong opposition to a new streaming service planned by Free, a mobile network operator.They have appealed to French authorities, including the Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (Arcom), to “examine with the greatest attention this initiative which destabilizes the entire ecosystem.”
The core of the disagreement lies in Free’s intention to distribute live television channels to its subscribers without the traditional revenue-sharing agreements that currently underpin the French broadcasting model. Media groups fear this will devalue their content and disrupt the financial viability of free-to-air television.
Free’s Response and Previous Agreements
Free, whose owner xavier Niel also holds a stake in Le Monde newspaper, stated it was “a little astonished” by the protest. A company spokesperson emphasized that their contracts allow them to distribute the channels. They pointed to a previous offering, called oqee, which *did* integrate channels from TF1 and France Télévisions.
Though, the key difference lies in the scope and subscriber base. The Oqee service was limited to existing Free subscribers, and the associated contracts were based on a defined number of users, allowing for negotiated remuneration for the broadcasters.Free’s new plan potentially extends access to a much wider audience without a corresponding adjustment to revenue sharing.
The French Broadcasting Landscape: A Complex System
Understanding this dispute requires understanding the French broadcasting system. Unlike some countries where television channels rely heavily on advertising revenue, french broadcasters benefit from a system of levies on telecommunication operators. These levies are then redistributed to fund public service broadcasting and support the production of French content. Arcom details the funding mechanisms on its website.
this system is designed to ensure the financial independence of public broadcasters and promote cultural diversity. Free’s move is perceived as a threat to this system, as it bypasses the traditional levy mechanism.
Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
| Broadcaster | Ownership | key Channels |
|---|---|---|
| TF1 | Bouygues Group | TF1,TMC,TFX,TF1 Séries Films |
| France Télévisions | Public (State-owned) | France 2,France 3,France 4,France 5 |
| M6 | RTL Group (bertelsmann) | M6,W9,6ter |
| Free | Iliad Group (Xavier Niel) | N/A – mobile Operator & ISP |
Potential Implications and Regulatory Responses
If Free is allowed to proceed with its plan,it could set a precedent for other telecommunication operators to offer similar services,potentially leading to a notable decline in revenue for traditional broadcasters. This could, in turn, impact the quality and diversity of French television programming.
Arcom is now under pressure to intervene. Possible regulatory responses could include:
