Canal+’s access primetime talkshow Le Grand Journal could be next for the chop as Vincent Bolloré continues to wield his influence at the French pay TV broadcaster.

Vivendi chairman
Vincent Bolloré

Newspaper Le Point says Bolloré, head of Canal+ parent Vivendi, believes Le Grand Journal is too costly and does not generate enough revenue in its free-to-air access primetime slot.

This follows last week’s fallout over Bolloré’s plan to axe iconic political puppet show Les Guignols after 27 years on air. That decision seemed to have been reversed on Friday after a public outcry ^[1] but there is now a suggestion the show will become weekly, rather than daily. CEO Rodolphe Belmer was ousted by the Canal+ board of directors at the end of last week after 14 years with the company as the row escalated.

Canal+’s licence has always included a free-to-air access primetime strand and Le Grand Journal was scheduled there as an ambitious talkshow mixing news, music, satire and chat.

Belmer: ousted

Although it carries advertising, this has never been the prime purpose of the strand. Ad revenues have been only a small part of the channel’s business model compared with its subscription revenues. The show is considered a brand builder, persuading free viewers to become subscribers.

With rising competition from sister channel D8 and its successful talkshow hosted by Cyril Hanouna, Le Grand Journal’s audience share and ad revenues have declined.

According to Le Point, Bolloré wants the show to improve its ratings and to bring its costs in line with the revenues it generates. This change in the Canal+ philosophy contributed to the conflict with Belmer.