Dutch IPTV provider KPN will drop TV5Monde as of July 1, 2018, and replace it with public service channel France 2.
This change also applies to KPN’s sub-brands XS4All and Telfort, two KPN. KPN indicates that it chose France 2 because it broadcasts more news and live sports (World Cup and Tour de France).
“TV5Monde regrets KPN’s decision. The channel was added in HD quality just a few months ago, which is why we are very surprised by this decision,” said André Vroegindeweij, director of Pratensis Media and agent for TV5Monde in the Netherlands.
TV5Monde charges a fee to KPN, of less than two cents per subscriber a month, which covers costs to ensure the continuation of Dutch subtitling.
The channel provides most of its programmes in prime time with Dutch subtitles, allowing viewers who are not proficient in the French language to watch French-language films, series, documentaries, current affairs programmes and lifestyle magazines. Currently, 55% of TV5Monde viewers are not French-speaking, a percentage that has been steadily increasing over the last three years (source: Ipsos 2014-2016).
Vroegindeweij added that KPN no longer wishes to spend less than 2 cents per subscriber per month, while the provider does increase its consumer prices by at least €2.50 per month for its IPTV customers.