C8 and NRJ12 contest the loss of their TNT frequency before the Council of State
On July 24, Arcom rejected C8's application for the renewal of its frequency on DTT, a decision that provoked an immediate reaction from the Canal+ group. The channel announced on Thursday, September 19, that it had referred the matter to the Council of State to contest this measure.
This legal action comes in a tense context, where C8 finds itself in a delicate situation, just like NRJ12, which was also excluded from the renewal of frequencies in favor of two new channels: OFTV (Ouest-France group) and RéelsTV (CMI Media). NRJ12 had already initiated a similar procedure the day before.
An unprecedented decision
In a press release, the Canal+ group denounced an "unprecedented decision in the history of DTT" that could have dramatic consequences for the channel, which has been present in the French audiovisual landscape for nearly 20 years. The group underlines the major economic, social and competitive issues of this decision, in particular the threat that weighs on the channel's 300 employees.
Canal+ argues that the channel fully complies with the criteria required to obtain a DTT frequency, and describes Arcom's decision as unfair. The group also points out that the proposal to broadcast the channel's flagship show, Touche Pas à Mon Poste (TPMP), on a delayed basis had been rejected by Arcom, which contributed to the decision not to renew the frequency. Canal+ believes that Arcom's decision specifically targets TPMP, Cyril Hanouna's show, which is often accused of excesses and has been the subject of numerous sanctions in recent years. A last-ditch appeal
C8's broadcasting authorization will end on February 28, 2025, if the Council of State does not suspend Arcom's decision. The channel hopes to obtain a temporary suspension, while the dispute is judged on the merits. For Canal+, the very survival of the channel and its ecosystem depends on it.
At the same time, NRJ12 is following the same path to try to save its frequency, in particular by contesting the legality of Arcom's decision and also hoping to obtain the cancellation of the measure. The outcome of these appeals remains uncertain, but the two channels intend to do everything possible to keep their place on DTT.
