Canal+ drops TF1 channels in France and Africa as talks stall

Many channels are no longer available to subscribers.

Back in 2022, a very public dispute flared up between Canal+ and TF1. Overnight, TF1’s channels vanished from the distribution slots operated by the group led by Maxime Saada, after the two sides failed to reach a financial agreement. TF1 then took the matter to court, before the broadcasters eventually found common ground.

Four years on, it is happening again. On Wednesday 1 July, Canal+ said it would stop carrying several thematic channels from its rival in France and Africa.

Canal+ and TF1: which channels are no longer carried?

In practical terms, the following channels are no longer available via Canal+ in France and Switzerland:

• TV Breizh
• Ushuaïa TV
• Histoire TV

Meanwhile, in Africa, the Canal+ offer is losing:

• TF1
• TMC
• TFX
• TF1 Séries Films
• LCI
• Ushuaïa TV
• Histoire TV

Still available via other operators in mainland France

It is worth noting that these channels can still be accessed through other providers in mainland France, including Bouygues Telecom, Orange and Free.

Is a deal still possible?

In the wake of the announcement, the two groups have traded statements. TF1 says it "regrets this decision, which deprives loyal viewers of channels they value and weakens the documentary sector as a whole".

Canal+, for its part, says it "takes note of the failure of the discussions entered into with the TF1 group". The company "regrets having to give up" on distributing the channels, while stressing that it continues to maintain "long-term partnerships with all the major historic French players, as well as with the leading international streaming platforms".

We may well see a repeat of the 2022 storyline, as Canal+ says it is "open to dialogue" and "available to resume discussions with a view to reaching an agreement based on reasonable, balanced and sustainable terms". The remaining question is whether TF1 will agree. The broadcaster says it is currently "considering its distribution strategy in a context where digital services are developing at great speed".

Will the disappearance of TF1’s channels from the Canal+ line-up affect you? Tell us in the comments.