The TF1 Group announces that Canal+ is ending the distribution of several of its channels in mainland France and all of its free and pay channels in Africa. The decision affects thematic channels, free channels, and the associated on-demand service.
In France, three channels are disappearing from Canal+ offerings.
In metropolitan France, Canal+ ceases broadcasting Breizh TV, TV History et Ushuaia TVThese three channels each occupy a clearly defined place in the French audiovisual landscape. Breizh TV is presented as a leading generalist channel among thematic channels. TV History is positioned as the leading channel in the documentary universe. Ushuaia TV is described as a leading channel on environmental issues. For Canal+ subscribers, this decision therefore means the loss of access to these three channels through Canal+ group packages.
The documentary directly affected
TF1 emphasizes that the cessation of distribution of TV History et Ushuaia TV This goes beyond mere commercial considerations. The group emphasizes the role of these channels in financing, distributing, and showcasing French documentaries. According to TF1, their removal from Canal+ offerings weakens public access to this content and puts pressure on a sector already reliant on specialized distribution channels.
The channels remain available elsewhere in France.
The end of broadcasting by Canal+ does not mean the disappearance of these channels from the French market. Breizh TV, TV History et Ushuaia TV remain accessible through several distributors, including Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Orange, Free, Vitis, BIS TV, NordNet, as well as through local distributors. They also remain available in overseas territories from the main operators.
In Africa, the entire TF1 offering is affected.
Canal+'s decision is broader across the African continent. It concerns all the channels of the TF1 Group: TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV and Histoire TV, as well as the associated non-linear offering. The withdrawal therefore affects free-to-air channels, pay-TV channels, and supplementary services linked to the group's content.
Alternatives maintained in several African countries
TF1 indicates that its channels remain accessible in many African countries through other distributors, including Orange, Digital Virgo, Malivision and Mauritius Telecom. The platform TF1+ also remains available, with an online content offering.
TF1 regrets the decision and is preparing for what comes next.
The TF1 Group regrets Canal+'s decision, believing it deprives loyal viewers of channels they watch and weakens the documentary sector. The group reaffirms its commitment to maintaining broad access to its channels and content, both in France and in Africa. This interruption also prompts TF1 to review its distribution strategy in a context of rapidly growing digital consumption.
