The proposed merger between TF1 and M6 has forced a rethink at France Televisions as to whether the public broadcaster should continue to participate in the streaming platform Salto.
In an interview with French daily Le Figaro, France Televisions president Delphine Ernotte refused to rule out selling the organisation’s stake. “In the context of the TF1-M6 merger, it is an option in order to concentrate our efforts on France.tv, which must be the undisputed leader in free streaming in France,” she said.
Ms Ernotte’s statement illustrates the problems faced by public broadcasters participating in more than one venture. Yesterday, BBC iPlayer announced the availability of 1,000 boxsets over the Christmas holiday period, despite the BBC’s involvement in the commercial service Britbox.
Salto was launched in October 2020 to counter US streaming services, such as Netflix, that are making their mark on the French market.
