The French media authority CSA has rejected requests from two encrypted channels to go free-to-air on the digital terrestrial network.
The all-news channel LCI (La Chaine Information) and Paris Première had both submitted plans to the regulator to become advertising supported channels rather than (low) pay channels.
At the moment both LCI and Paris Première are available on a subscription basis, but a number of encrypted terrestrial channels have experienced problems in making the business work. Earlier, Canal J and AB3 handed back their DTT licence for encrypted broadcasts.
During a session on December 6, the CSA decided not to honour the two channels’ request.
