France’s media regulator Arcom has opened a public consultation on the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and the wider television sector, ahead of key spectrum decisions due in 2027.
The consultation focuses on the reallocation of broadcast spectrum that will become available after 11 December 2027, when licences expire for six national DTT channels: TF1 Séries Films, L’Équipe, 6Ter, RMC Story, RMC Découverte and RMC Life.
Under French law, the frequencies can only be reassigned through a formal call for applications, with Arcom set to publish an impact assessment following the consultation.
The regulator is also using the process to examine the longer-term future of television, with a white paper planned for publication in the first half of 2027.
The consultation is structured around four key areas:
- An assessment of the current TV market, including the impact of streaming and shifting viewing habits
- The future role of DTT, including potential decline scenarios and coverage implications
- The 2027 licence expiry and future spectrum allocation framework
- Possible regulatory reforms to improve competitiveness and visibility for national broadcasters
Arcom said the process will explore how traditional broadcasters — both public and private — can compete more effectively with global streaming platforms, as pressure grows on both revenues and content costs.
The consultation also considers extending “services of general interest” status to local TV stations and reviewing distribution rules to ensure prominence and discoverability.
Submissions are open to all stakeholders until 15 June 2026, with contributions feeding into future policy decisions on spectrum use and the regulatory framework for television in France.
