As Canal+ Yanks TF1 Channels, TF1 Strikes Netflix Deal for French Viewers

Canal+ Group has removed several TF1 channels from its pay-TV services in France, Switzerland, and Africa after carriage fee negotiations broke down, according to Deadline. The move affects channels including TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV, and Histoire TV in Africa, while in France and Switzerland, TV Breizh, Histoire TV, and Ushuaïa TV have been pulled. Variety reported that the disruption follows failed negotiations between the two French media rivals.

2 sources

VarietyCanal+ drops TF1 Group channels after failed negotiations; TF1+ launches on Netflix in FranceDeadlineCanal+ Removes TF1 Channels Across France, Switzerland, and Africa After Carriage Fee Dispute

"TF1 expressed regret over the decision, which leaves subscribers without access to these channels."

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Canal+ and TF1, two of France's largest broadcasting groups. The removal affects subscribers across multiple territories, with TF1 notably absent from Canal+ platforms in its home market for the first time in years.

Just before the channels were dropped, TF1 Group struck a separate deal with Netflix, Variety reported. The partnership offers TF1+ content to Netflix subscribers in France at no extra cost, giving them access to live broadcasts and VOD content from France's largest commercial network. This move appears to diversify TF1's distribution amid the carriage dispute.

"giving them access to live broadcasts and VOD content from France's largest commercial network at no extra cost."

The timing of the Netflix deal suggests TF1 is hedging its bets, shifting some content to an international streaming giant while its traditional carriage agreement with Canal+ unravels. Subscribers who rely on Canal+ for TF1 programming now face an uncertain path to watching shows like the network's flagship news and entertainment lineup, while Netflix users gain a new window into French broadcast television.