French pay TV platform Canal+ drops TF1 Group channels in France, Africa

Pay platform Canal+ Group has ended its distribution of a package of TF1 Group channels in France and across Africa, prompting the French broadcaster to signal a broader rethink of its distribution partnerships as digital platforms continue to grow in importance.

In France, Canal+ has dropped three of TF1 Group’s thematic channels from its offer: TV Breizh, described by TF1 as the leading mini-generalist channel among thematic channels; Histoire TV, which it positions as the leading channel in the discovery and factual space; and Ushuaïa TV, the only French channel dedicated entirely to environmental protection.

The move comes days after TF1’s live channels and streamer TF1+ were made available on Netflix in France, following a distribution deal forged between the two companies last year. Netflix France subscribers will be able to watch TF1 programming including live broadcasts by TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films and 24-hour news channel LCI, as well as major live sporting events including rugby’s Nations Championship and French national football team matches.

TF1 Group said Canal+ Group’s decision to drop TF1 channels weakens the documentary sector more broadly, noting that Histoire TV and Ushuaïa TV are two of France’s major documentary commissioners, actively financing and showcasing heritage documentary content. Their removal from the Canal+ offer, it said, deprives a large audience of easy access to that content and represents a troubling signal for the industry as a whole.

On the African continent, the scope of Canal+’s decision is wider still, covering the entirety of TF1 Group’s channel portfolio – TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV and Histoire TV – along with associated non-linear services.

TF1 Group moved to reassure viewers in both regions that alternatives remain available. In metropolitan France, the three affected channels continue to be carried by Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Orange, Free, Vitis, BIS TV, NordNet and a range of local distributors, and remain accessible in France’s overseas territories through the main operators there. In Africa, the group’s channels are available through a number of other distributors including Orange, Digital Virgo, Malivision and Mauritius Telecom, while the TF1+ streaming platform is available as an OTT service via app stores in all markets where it is offered.

In a statement, TF1 Group said it regretted a decision that deprives loyal viewers of channels they value and further undermines the documentary sector. It added that the move has prompted a review of its distribution strategy at a time when digital distribution is developing rapidly and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring audiences in France and Africa can access its content and channels wherever they are.