End of distribution agreements with Orange for the MYTF1 service and the unencrypted channels

Boulogne, 1 February 2018

End of distribution agreements with Orange for the MYTF1 service
and the TF1 group’s unencrypted channels

Nearly two years ago, the TF1 group initiated commercial discussions with Orange which in July 2016 led to the TF1 group proposing a new offer known as “TF1 Premium”. This combines access to the TF1 group’s unencrypted channels and the MYTF1 catch-up service with new add-on services like Start-over* and Enhanced catch-up**.

The TF1 group is disappointed that it was not possible to reach any agreement with Orange in January 2018, especially since the Group was able to reach agreements with Altice-SFR (in November 2017) and Bouygues Telecom (in January 2018) that were fair to each of the parties and protected the interests of viewers. The proposals put to Orange during the negotiations were equivalent to those accepted by Altice-SFR and Bouygues Telecom.

The current contracts expire on 31 January. With effect from that date, in the absence of any agreement with the TF1 group, Orange is no longer authorised to sell its subscribers MYTF1 or the TF1 group’s unencrypted TV channels.

Consequently, the TF1 group has today had to suspend the supply of the MYTF1 catch-up service to Orange.
TF1 has also requested Orange to cease selling its subscribers the TF1, TMC, TFX (formerly NT1), TF1 Séries Films (formerly HD1) and LCI channels.

Placing on record that Orange is continuing to exploit the TF1 group’s channels commercially without a contract, the TF1 group intends to use all legal means at its disposal to enforce its rights.

The TF1 group would remind viewers that they can view its channels in catch-up on the MYTF1.fr website and via the MYTF1 app on mobiles and tablets. And the channels are of course still available to all viewers on DTT.

Gilles PELISSON, Chairman & CEO of the TF1 group, says: “I am disappointed at this situation that deprives Orange subscribers access to catch-up for TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films and LCI. Our objective is still to reach a balanced and fair agreement, so that viewers who subscribe to Orange can enjoy a high added value experience around our programmes. Keeping viewers satisfied is our number one priority, and we would remind them that they can view our channels in catch-up on the MYTF1.fr website, and via the MYTF1 app.”

The TF1 group reminds interested parties of the following sequence of events:

• The distribution agreements for the TF1 group’s channels (TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI) and the MYTF1 catch-up service expired on 31 December 2016.
• In March 2016, nine months before the contract was due to expire, the TF1 group informed Orange that it wished to completely restructure the terms and conditions for the distribution of its unencrypted channels and MYTF1, to provide a better experience for viewers and a fairer economic balance between the parties.
• In July 2016, TF1 proposed the new “TF1 Premium” offer to Orange.
• Throughout 2017, extensive negotiations were conducted with all the distributors.
• To help secure a new agreement, the TF1 group agreed to a further extension to the distribution agreements with Orange, until 31 January 2018.
• On 6 November 2017, the TF1 group signed a distribution agreement with Altice-SFR.
• On 30 January 2018, the TF1 group signed a distribution agreement with Bouygues Telecom.
• On 31 January 2018, two years after negotiations were started, the commercial exploitation licences granted to Orange expired. In the absence of any new agreement, Orange is no longer authorised to sell its subscribers MYTF1 or the TF1 group’s unencrypted channels.

*Start-over: service that enables users to return to the start of a programme during linear viewing.

**Enhanced catch-up: for example catch-up available beyond the first seven days, exclusive premieres, content in HD quality, etc.