Canal+ and TF1 are looking into the possibility of merging their respective news channels, iTélé and LCI. The two channels face heavy competition from newcomer BFM TV, that attracts an average audience share of 0.8% on DTT with a relatively low budget of only €15 million a year.
TF1 has a budget of €50 million a year for LCI (Le Chaine Information) and the Canal+ Group puts in €45 million a year for iTélé, which operates as part of a premium bouquet. LCI is not available free-to-air on the French DTT service.