TF1 is threatening to withdraw its channels from distribution by the telcos if it doesn’t receive restransmission fees.
According to Les Echos, the leading French commercial network has threatened to pull channels including TF1, TMC, NT1, HD1 and LCI. It means viewing would be blocked on computers, tablets and smartphones as of April 30th – between the two rounds of
Talks have been taking place over a 12 month period, but the telcos saw no need to enter into meaningful negotiations while the channels were still available free-to-air.
If it does pull the plug TF1 risks losing both distribution and advertising revenue.
Last July UK broadcasters ITV and Channel 4 were told by the UK government they shouldn’t expect to receive retransmission fees from platforms carrying their services.
The Digital Economy Bill closed a clause in Section 73 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, which prevented their collection.
