The 21st century sees the TF1 group innovating more than ever in response to fragmentation: in viewing devices, and in viewer behaviour and expectations. New formats, new faces, new talents – and new programmes too, with the rise of digital terrestrial television. What emerges is a bold media player – but one with a growing sense of its responsibility and strongly committed to upholding its values, both internally and with the viewing public.
Evelyne Dhéliat celebrates 40 years on TF1 and Ushuaia TV its 10th anniversary, while the TF1 group completes the sale of Eurosport. The Group signs up to the LGBT Charter, officially acknowledging its ambition to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity. TF1 makes its mark as a talent-spotter with Louane from Season 2 of The Voice, who wins breakthrough album of the year and the César award for Most Promising Actress.
Luc Besson’s Lucy, a co-production with TF1 Films Production, becomes the biggest-grossing French film internationally. In April, the TF1 group unveils the new tagline for its TF1 core channel – “TF1, Partageons des Ondes positives” (“TF1, sharing positive vibes”), accompanied by a short promotional clip (Les Français).
The TF1 logo has its most recent makeover. In 40 years, the channel has only had 2 logos and 5 makeovers.
Always on the lookout for new programmes, TF1 brings The Voice to French TV and attracts 9.3 million viewers for the launch show. In June, Gilles Bouleau takes the helm of the weekday evening news bulletin. And in November, the TF1 evening news takes first prize at the 13th Media Tenor Global TV Awards, in recognition of the pluralism of its news coverage.
In January, TF1 launches the MYTF1 app, available on all devices. By the end of the year, the app has already been downloaded more than 2 million times. On 2 November, the movie Untouchables – co-produced by TF1 Films Production – goes on general release, and proves to be a national phenomenon with over 20 million box-office entries. 2011 also sees the first appearance on TF1 of Danse avec les stars (the French version of Strictly Come Dancing).
The buyout of TMC and NT1 is completed in June. On 14 December, the TF1 group becomes the first French media company to be awarded the “Diversity” label, with all Group companies receiving accreditation. Another new show hits the screen: the game show Les 12 coups de midi, hosted by Jean-Luc Reichmann.
On 12 February, TF1 completes the sale of its 50% stake in France 24. In June, TF1 and Groupe AB sign an agreement for TF1 to buy out Groupe AB’s 100% stake in NT1 and 40% stake in TMC, raising TF1’s stake to 80%. On 29 June, TF1 celebrates the 60th anniversary of its daily news bulletins, and marks the occasion by opening its doors and studios to viewers for the first time in a special edition.
TF1 switches to HD on digital terrestrial television (DTT). Eurosport HD is launched, in 14 languages across 26 countries. Keen to promote equality of opportunity and diversity of backgrounds within its ranks, the TF1 group inaugurates its own charitable foundation dedicated to diversity and opening up job opportunities for under-privileged youngsters. Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, a movie co-produced with TF1 Films Production, wins the César award for Best Original Screenplay and is the highest-ranked French movie in the box-office charts.
On 31 July, Nonce Paolini takes over as Chairman & CEO. He revamps the schedules with new entertainment shows like Secret Story, and cult series like House. The Group acquires Dujardin, one of France’s leading producers of board and card games. And Edith Piaf biopic La Môme (released as La Vie en Rose in English), co-produced by TF1 Films Production, wins an Oscar and attracts 5.2 million box-office entries in France.
On 5 July, TF1 records the biggest audience on any channel with 22.2 million viewers for the football World Cup match between Portugal and France. TF1 screens Season 1 of the successful US series Grey’s Anatomy.