TF1 hunts on the lands of Bolloré

Arcom has published the list of admissible applications for a DTT channel. Among the surprises, TF1 is applying for two new free thematic channels. Who are eyeing the slots of C8 and CNews, the renewal of which remains uncertain.

LThe restart of fifteen TNT frequencies has reserved its last minute surprises. Among the twenty-seven candidates officially in the running, Arcom declared twenty-five applications admissible this Tuesday, May 22, including those of three new candidates who came out of the woodwork last week to everyone’s surprise: the group of Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, CMI, in the running for a project titled “RéelsTV” (and also in the process of selling the magazine Marianne) ; West France (Ouest-France TV); And The Express (L’Express TV).

Launched at the end of February, the call for applications, closed last week, concerns the digital terrestrial television (DTT) frequencies currently occupied by the channels Canal+, C8, CNews, CStar, Canal+ Cinéma(s), Canal+ Sport and Planète+ ( Canal+ group), TMC, TFX and LCI (TF1 group), W9, Gulli and Paris Première (M6 group), BFMTV (in the process of being sold to billionaire Rodolphe Saadé) and NRJ 12 (NRJ group). All the players already in place are applying for the renewal of each of their channels, the big stake in the procedure being the fate of C8 and CNews, in the hands of conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, regularly called to order by Arcom – no later than today.

The main surprise of the list lies in the TF1 group’s application for two new frequencies, in addition to the three which are expiring, for two new free thematic channels, La Chaîne histoire (LCH) and Humor TV. The first, which would be added to the TF1 Histoire TV pay channel, aims to “making history accessible to as many people as possible”, depending on the group. The second wants to give a “full place” to humor on free TNT and “contribute to the diversification of the program offering”.

Under the aegis of Rodolphe Belmer, the TF1 group is betting on two French passions, two safe havens prized by the French in these anxious and uncertain times. This is evidenced by the abundance of programs, books, documentaries, magazines produced on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, or even the public’s interest in stand-up and shows like LOL, he who laughs comes out! (Prime Video).

By showing optimism, we can see consensual and popular alternatives to the excesses of Cyril Hanouna and the approximate information of CNews. Because what could be better than a history channel to counter Vincent Bolloré’s enterprise of disinformation and conservative rewriting? And why not a unifying entertainment channel instead of a sad clown who fuels social tensions and fractures in French society? On paper, this appeal is clever, but far from being won because, even if CNews and C8 accumulate fines and calls to order, it is not certain that the audiovisual regulator will remove the frequencies from Breton billionaire.

Three other previously unknown projects are also in the running: BATV from the Christian association Je suis, OP TV from the company Ombre Première (at the origin of an overseas music channel) and Mieux from the company Media santé info TV . The latter is chaired by the former advertising executive Franck Papazian, owner of Who’s Who, from CB News or even from Strategies. Finally, no drama came from Rodolphe Saadé, whose CMA CGM group is only applying for the renewal of BFMTV. The public broadcasting regulator will announce the choice of licensees at the end of July.