TF1 and Canal+ resolve two-month channel carriage dispute

After a protracted dispute, including two trips to the law courts, French media heavyweights TF1 and Canal+ have “reached an agreement that renews the long-term distribution of all of the TF1 group’s DTT channels and their catch-up services.”

In September 2022, Canal+ axed a series of TF1 services in a dispute over carriage fees. TF1 took the matter to the French courts and lost both its initial case and its appeal. But now the two sides seem to have reached some kind of accommodation.

In a brief statement, TF1 said: “Subscribers to the Canal+ group’s offers and TNTSAT subscribers will find from Monday, November 7, all the live and replay programmes of TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI and upcoming events: the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022™, the Late with Alain Chabat, Danse avec les Stars, Star Academy…”

No details were provided on the composition of the deal, but TF1’s lack of progress in the courts suggests Canal+ must have achieved favourable terms. During the blackout, millions of Canal+ homes were unable to access the above services. At the time, it was estimated the dispute was costing TF1 10-15% of its audience share.