Maxime Saada has predicted the end of digital terrestrial television (DTT/TNT) in France within the next decade, arguing that increasing “platformisation” will render rooftop antenna reception obsolete.
Speaking at a Senate symposium, the chief executive of Canal+ said the recent regulatory decision to remove C8 and NRJ12 from DTT had effectively “spelled the end” of the TNT platform.
The comments follow a ruling by Arcom to suspend the two channels, prompting Canal+ to withdraw its four remaining pay channels from DTT in retaliation.
Saada’s remarks come despite the continued relevance of terrestrial reception in France. According to an end-2024 study by Arcom, around 40% of French households still use a rooftop antenna alongside their internet box, while 16.6% rely exclusively on DTT for television reception.
The debate echoes the UK, where the BBC and Sky are among the broadcasters questioning how long the DTT platform can be maintained.
The Canal+ chief executive argued that the structural shift towards streaming platforms and app-based distribution is accelerating the decline of traditional linear distribution. Canal+ had itself withdrawn its pay channels from DTT in 2024 in an attempt to relaunch a free-to-air service, but Arcom subsequently froze new calls for applications, citing unfavourable market conditions.
Since then, the group has intensified its international and digital focus. Saada noted that Canal+ now operates in 70 countries, with the majority of its profits generated outside France.
The intervention highlights growing tension between established broadcast infrastructure and platform-led distribution models, as major European players reassess the long-term viability of terrestrial television.
