A New Era in French Television: The Arrival of T18 and Novo19
France’s television landscape is undergoing significant changes this September with two new channels set to launch: T18 and Novo19 . Additionally, a new information block will be established between channels 13 and 16, marking the end of Canal Plus ‘s free-to-air broadcasts on TNT. This restructuring, implemented by the Arcom , the regulatory authority for audiovisual communications, promises to reshape how viewers access news and entertainment.
In the ongoing game of musical chairs among television channels, C8 and NRJ 12 lost their TNT frequencies in February, leaving audiences wondering which channels would be their replacements. This reorganization will take effect this Friday, August 6, 2023, influencing how viewers navigate their favorite programs and channels.
A New Information Block
Two notable changes will emerge from this reorganizational effort. Firstly, the grouping of information channels will aim to enhance the visibility of LCI and franceinfo , which are moving up from positions 26 and 27 to 15 and 16, right after BFMTV (position 13) and CNews (position 14). This elevation in their rankings is intended to facilitate easier access to news for viewers.
Secondly, the exit of Canal Plus from the TNT lineup will conclude an era marked by iconic programming. Long beloved shows from Guignols to Nulle part ailleurs will no longer be available in this format. This significant shift in television offerings has left many viewers feeling nostalgia for what has been lost.
In response to Canal Plus’s departure and the formation of the information block, channels LCP , Gulli , and France 4 will also undergo changes in their allocations.
Billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s Contributions
The arrival of T18 and Novo19 brings new potential into the mix. Although T18 is described as a “small” channel, with a budget of €30 million compared to the €4 billion allocated to public audiovisual services, it has a solid financial backing thanks to its owner, billionaire Daniel Kretinsky . The channel is committed to dedicating 50% of its airtime to documentaries, with the remainder split evenly between debates and entertainment.
During its inaugural week, T18 will offer a diverse range of programming, including home and lifestyle magazines, shows about animals, cooking, and even theater performances. However, some programs labeled as “new” have raised eyebrows due to their original creation dates dating back to 2016 and 2020. This has sparked concerns regarding originality and innovation on the channel.
T18 has made promises to entertain its audience without succumbing to populism, positioning itself as an alternative to channels such as C8 and CNews . Notably, the channel has enlisted Laurent Ruquier for a weekly show featuring artists and Matthieu Croissandeau for a daily debate program at 10:30 PM.
Novo19: A Talk Show by Claire Arnoux
Meanwhile, viewers will have to wait until September to experience Novo19 , a channel operated by the Ouest France group, known as France’s largest paid daily newspaper. Rumored to have a minimal budget of €10 million , Novo19 aims to offer programming that is federal and cohesive in its outreach. Its name, a nod to newness , represents a blend of “us” and “you.”
<pClaire Arnoux, a journalist with experience at beIN Sports and BFMTV, is set to lead a daily talk show from 7 PM to 9 PM featuring several columnists, including journalist Claude Askolovitch. This initiative intends to create a platform for dialogue and community-oriented discussions.
24 Channels from This Friday, 25 Starting September 1
The changes kicking in on Friday, August 6, will impact viewers’ habits. Arcom assures that “the vast majority of television sets” will automatically register the new order during the night leading into Friday. Others may need to conduct a “rescan” to discover the updated channels.
With C8 and NRJ 12 out of the picture, the addition of T18 and Novo19 will temporarily bring the count of available TNT channels down to 25 . However, the discontinuation of France Ô and Canal Plus leaving TNT allows for a reshuffling of existing programming.
The move is largely welcomed as it is perceived as a step towards rejuvenating the television landscape in France, bringing forth new opportunities and programming for a modern audience.
The Decision of Arcom Amid Ongoing Controversy
In July 2024, the Arcom made its controversial decision to not renew the TNT frequencies of C8 and NRJ 12 . The decision, particularly targeting C8 for repeated breaches of its broadcasting convention, has stirred considerable public debate. C8 challenged this ruling legally, but the Conseil d’Etat upheld Arcom’s decision.
The move reflects an ongoing tension within the audiovisual landscape, especially with Canal Plus retreating from free-to-air broadcasting on TNT. With differing VAT applications between platforms, the restructuring raises questions about the future of media regulation in France.
As viewers adjust to these upcoming changes, the new channels and restructuring present opportunities for innovation in programming. The arrival of T18 and Novo19 heralds a fresh chapter in French television, challenging existing norms and providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. Only time will tell how these channels will engage their audiences and leave their mark on the media landscape.