Canal+ Drops TF1 Channels in France, Switzerland, Africa
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- Canal+ Group ceased distribution of multiple TF1 Group channels in France, Switzerland, and Africa after negotiations broke down.
- The dispute comes weeks after TF1 Group launched a distribution partnership with Netflix in France on June 19, giving Netflix subscribers access to TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, and LCI live channels plus on-demand TF1+ content at no extra cost.
- Canal+ dropped TV Breizh, Ushuaïa TV, and Histoire TV in France and Switzerland; its French subscribers retain the five TF1 free-to-air channels (TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, and LCI) and their catch-up services.
- In Africa, Canal+ ceased carrying all seven affected channels: TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV, and Histoire TV.
- Canal+ said it was "prepared to improve the terms in every respect" but could not reach a comprehensive agreement and remains "open to dialogue" on "reasonable, balanced and sustainable terms."
- TF1 Group said it regretted the decision, which "deprives loyal viewers of the channels they value," and pledged to "reflect on its distribution partnership strategy" amid "very strong growth in digital distribution."
Why it matters: Canal+ subscribers across Africa lose all seven TF1 channels — the broadest immediate viewer impact. The clash lands weeks after TF1's June 19 Netflix launch, and TF1's stated intent to "reflect on its distribution partnership strategy" signals a reweighting toward streaming platforms like Netflix over legacy pay-TV carriers.
