French broadcasters TF1 and M6 are said to be preparing for next Tuesday’s hearings before the competition authority with a spirit of openness.
In July, Le Autorité de la Concurrence said the proposed merger raised significant competition concerns.
Owners Bouygues and RTL Group have already proposed to separate their advertising agencies for up to 3 years in a bid to gain approval for the merger of their channels. The groups remain convinced of the merits of a merger and are prepared to go further to gain approval for their plans.
Les Echos reported this week the remedies that the groups and their shareholders proposed to the Autorité in August would allow the new entity to remain within the scope of the synergies promised in May 2021 when the merger was announced, saving between 250 and 350 million euros.
New proposals include a stricter separation of the two channels that would extend for five years. This would relate not only to TF1 and M6, but also smaller channels TMC, TF1 Series Films and Gulli.
The separation would also include sales of online advertising on the various catch up offers.
