France’s TF1, M6 and Canal+ are calling for a complete overhaul of the regulations under which they operate.
They see this as a necessity ahead of the arrival of such competitors as Amazon, Apple, Google and Netflix, which will operate largely outside French law.
Le Figaro reports that in a letter sent by Nonce Paolini, the CEO of TF1, to the former minister of culture and communication Aurélie Filippetti and now on the desk of her successor Fleur Pellerin, he criticised rules and laws that have become obsolete and now prevent French media groups from developing.
Paolini is supported in his criticism by Nicolas de Tavernost, chief executive of M6, along with Bertrand Meheut, the president of Canal+.
Paolini would in particular like to see the 1986 audiovisual law reformed in order to reduce regulation and encourage concentration.
Although Filippetti planned to introduce changes in legislation by the end of 2014, it is feared that they may be delayed by the recent changes in the government.
