The Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (ARCOM) decided on July 24 to exclude channels C8, where Cyril Hanouna works, and NRJ12 from the allocation of fifteen DTT frequencies. These channels will be replaced by OF TV from Ouest-France and RéelsTV from the CMI France group, as announced by ARCOM. OF TV aims to be “the real life channel” and the first national general channel located outside Paris, specifically in Rennes. Meanwhile, RéelsTV promises to bring back the original concept of public debate with the collaboration of other CMI France media.
ARCOM made its decision based on the interest of each project for the public in terms of the essential need for pluralism. After hearing representatives of twenty-four projects in July, the nine members of the audiovisual regulator’s college selected the candidates remaining in the competition for the allocation of the channels in question. Formal allocation will only take place after the signing of new agreements between ARCOM and the channels by the end of the year, authorizing them to broadcast by 2025 for a maximum of ten years.
Existing channels like BFM-TV, LCI, W9, TMC, Gulli, and NRJ12 are competing with new players from the press like RéelsTV, OF TV, L’Express TV, and Le Média TV.
C8 faced consequences due to sanctions against Cyril Hanouna, accumulating 7.6 million euros in fines over eight years. Compliance with channel obligations is one of the analyzed criteria by ARCOM, alongside public interest, economic viability, pluralism, and investment in French content.
CNews, owned by the Canal+ group like C8, was selected despite being regularly reprimanded by ARCOM. Created in 2017, CNews rose to the top among news channels in audience share and profitability, contrasting C8’s net loss of 48.5 million in 2023. Both channels made commitments to promote pluralism.
Supporters and opponents of C8 and CNews advocate for freedom of expression, with the #MeTooMedia collective calling on ARCOM to not renew their frequencies due to sexist and misogynistic remarks. The withdrawal of frequencies does not necessarily mean the end, as broadcasting opportunities exist through the internet and connected devices.
Although DTT remains significant in the French audiovisual landscape, with nearly 20% of households relying on it, the numbering of channels from DTT channels remains a critical issue, with lower numbers being preferred to attract audiences.
The decision made by the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) on July 24 has stirred the media landscape in France. The channels C8, known for hosting Cyril Hanouna, and NRJ12 will not retain their DTT frequencies. Instead, Ouest-France (OF TV) and CMI France (RéelsTV) will take their place, as announced by Arcom.
Ouest-France aims to become the “real-life channel” and the first general national antenna located outside of Paris, in Rennes. On the other hand, RéelsTV promises to restore the original concept of public debate by leveraging the expertise of other CMI France media.
The decision was based on the interest of each project for the public in relation to the priority of pluralism. After hearing representatives of twenty-four projects, the nine members of Arcom’s college selected the channels that remain in the running for the allocation of frequencies. Formal allocation will occur after the signing of new, more rigorous agreements between Arcom and the channels by the end of the year, allowing them to broadcast in 2025 for a maximum of ten years.
Existing channels like BFM-TV, LCI, W9, TMC, Gulli, and NRJ12 are in competition with new contenders from the press, including RéelsTV, OF TV, L’Express TV, and Le Média TV.
C8, in particular, faced challenges due to the repeated controversies involving its star presenter, Cyril Hanouna. Accumulating 7.6 million euros in sanctions over the past eight years set C8 apart from other channels. Despite commitments made during their hearing, C8’s future remains uncertain.
CNews, another channel owned by the Canal+ group like C8, managed to secure its place despite scrutiny from Arcom. The channel’s performance in audience share and profitability played significant roles in its selection. CNews faced allegations of promoting far-right opinions, prompting commitments to promote pluralism on the channel.
Freedom of expression was a key argument for supporters of both C8 and CNews, while critics highlighted concerns about sexist and misogynistic remarks on these channels. Calls for not renewing the frequencies of C8 and CNews have been made by various groups, citing the need to address issues of sexism and rape culture.
The withdrawal of frequencies from these channels could impact the French audiovisual landscape, as DTT still significantly structures television reception. Despite potential alternative broadcasting options, the importance of DTT frequencies in reaching a wide audience remains crucial.
In conclusion, Arcom’s decision regarding DTT frequencies reflects the complex dynamics of the French media industry, balancing concerns of pluralism, freedom of expression, and public interest. The changes ahead could reshape the media landscape in France, highlighting the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the industry.
