France’s Audiovisual Sector association (LaFA) has warned that public and private TV channels face a significant increase in TNT (DTT) transmission fees when multi-year carriage contracts are renewed from 2026.
LaFA says TDF’s reference offer published in June anticipates higher rates if capacity on the R3 multiplex – formerly used by Canal+ pay channels – is not quickly reassigned. With Arcom postponing the tender for the vacant DTT resource on 19 September, citing a “sluggish” ad market projected to decline by an average 1.7% a year between 2025 and 2030, LaFA argues the higher tariffs could bite as early as 2026.
The trade body adds the squeeze would come as budgets are already under pressure: the 2026 finance bill filed with the National Assembly proposes a €70.9m reduction in public funding versus 2025 and an extension of the exceptional levy on large company profits, which will hit commercial groups.
LaFA is calling on the government and relevant independent authorities to intervene quickly to avoid penalising broadcasters’ investment in programming, audiovisual and film production, and digital development.
