It’s official: C8 et NRJ12 will no longer be broadcast on TNT after February 28, 2025. The announcement, made this week by Arcom, puts an end to a long uncertainty which weighed on these channels. This decision is part of a desire to diversify the television offering in France. “ Unsuccessful candidates will be notified of reasoned rejections in the coming days. », Specifies the authority in its press release.
Two channels bow out
The decision comes as no surprise C8which drags behind it 7.6 million euros in fines accumulated over eight years, in particular for slippages on the antenna. The channel, owned by the Canal+ group and known for Cyril Hanouna’s broadcasts, tried to challenge the decision by contacting the Council of State. An approach deemed premature last month. For his part, NRJ12faced with a constant decline in audience, also saw its application rejected.
Faced with this situation, the two channels do not intend to stop there. Appeals to the Council of State are envisaged. Canal+ even launched a petition to ask for the maintenance of C8, which has exceeded one million signatures. As for NRJ12it has multiplied support campaigns on its channels, mobilizing stars and artists.
This reorganization of DTT frequencies leaves room for two new players: CMI TV et OFTV. The first, carried by Daniel Kretinsky, a Czech billionaire already involved in the French media, will be available from March 1, 2025. The second, OFTVfrom the Ouest-France group, will begin broadcasting on September 1, 2025. These channels were chosen for their ability to “ complete the existing offer » and to bring “ more diversity », According to Arcom.
Other channels, like BFM-TV, CNews, TMC or even W9retain their place on the grid. However, the authority plans to consult with publishers to determine channel numbering, a decision that is expected to be finalized in January.
For Canal+, the exclusion of C8 has a cost. The group announced a social plan affecting 250 positions, particularly linked to the shutdown of the channel. In addition, it plans to withdraw its four pay channels from DTT – Canal+, Canal+ Cinema, Canal+ Sport et Planet – from June 2025. A decision which, according to the group, reflects a growing disinterest in this method of distribution.
This reshuffling of DTT frequencies will cause a serious upheaval in the French audiovisual landscape. By ousting two chains and integrating newcomers, Arcom clearly shows who is boss. The removal of C8 et NRJ12 is also a very clear signal sent to other channels: it is better to stay on track!
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