TF1 secures berth on digital-terrestrial but posts sharp decline in revenue and profit

France’s TF1 has officially secured its berth on the country’s digital-terrestrial platform for another 10 years after signing a new agreement with media and telecom regulator ARCOM.

CEO Rodolphe Belmer said: “I am delighted with the signing of the convention of TF1 with ARCOM today. TF1 always has the ambition to bring people together. It unites all sections of the public. To be accessible free-to-view to most French people on a DTT frequency is essential for a group like ours, which has the ambition to confirm its place as a destination of reference for family entertainment and news in France.”

The announcement came as TF1 unveiled less than stunning quarterly results. The broadcaster saw its revenues tumble by 14.5% to €479.7 million for the first quarter, with operating profit falling by 40.2% to €38.8 million.

The broadcaster put the best gloss it could on the numbers. Advertising revenue was down by 6.9% excluding the impact of the sale of Unify Publishers assets, which it said was in line with expectations.

Revenue for production arm Newen was down €15.2 million to €60.6 million due to an unfavourable comparison period.

On the bright side, TF1 grew its audience share modestly, while digital service MYTF1 achieved a record in live consumption boosted by coverage of France’s football team’s matches.