The sports television newspaper has sent an official letter to Arcom to proceed with the numbering of digital terrestrial. It currently occupies channel number 21.
Who will take the place of C8 and NRJ12, the two channels removed from DTT frequencies in 2025? The L’Équipe channel would be happy to take over the vacant number 8 or 12. The group has written to Arcom (formerly CSA), the French audiovisual body, to declare its candidacy, as revealed by The Parisian . The TV channel of the famous sports newspaper currently occupies channel 21 of TNT.
Broadcaster of the biathlon and alpine skiing world championships, the Italian football championship, the matches of the French football team L’Espoirs and even bowls, the L’Équipe channel would like to get closer to the information channels – France Info, LCI, CNews, BFMTV – grouped around channel number 15. Highlights its main specificity: being the only free sports channel in the French audiovisual landscape.
The appeals of C8 and NRJ 12 were rejected
However, the clearance of C8 and NRJ12 is not yet fully validated. For the reallocation of 15 DTT frequencies in 2025, Arcom had in fact inaugurated a pre-selection at the end of July. The two current licensees C8 and NRJ12, whose lease expires at the end of February, are excluded, as are several new applicants including the radical left-wing webtelevision Le Média. The three channels challenged this preselection before the Council of State. This Friday the highest administrative court ruled ”inadmissible” the appeal of the two channels against the loss of their frequency, because it was presented too early. For the Council of State, art “short list” it’s not valid “neither attribution for the candidates who appear therein, nor definitive rejection for the others”and therefore cannot be attacked.
To present another appeal, C8 and NRJ 12 will have to wait for the definitive list that Arcom will publish after the conclusion of the agreements with the new frequency holders. “Only Arcom’s final decisions, which should take place in December, will definitively establish the candidates selected for TNT, and these can be challenged before the Council of State, even on an urgent basis”supported the body. In Arcom’s preselection, two newcomers were preferred to C8 and NRJ12: OFTV (Ouest-France group) and RéelsTV (CMI France, owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky).
What are the potential impacts of L’Équipe channel’s bid for a new digital terrestrial slot on sports broadcasting in France?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Media Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. With the recent developments regarding the digital terrestrial numbering in France, particularly concerning L’Équipe channel’s bid for a new slot, we have much to discuss. Can you provide your insights into what this means for L’Équipe and the sports broadcasting landscape in France?
Sports Media Expert: Good afternoon, and thank you for the invitation. This is indeed a crucial moment for L’Équipe as they seek to solidify their position within the French broadcasting arena. By pushing for a more prominent channel number, they aim to bolster their visibility and attract a larger audience. Channel numbers play a significant role in how viewers access content, and being associated with lower numbers often leads to increased viewership.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! With C8 and NRJ12 facing removal from the DTT frequencies in 2025, do you think that L’Équipe has a solid chance to secure these channels?
Sports Media Expert: L’Équipe’s candidacy certainly positions them well. The vacuum left by C8 and NRJ12 presents an opportunity for growth, especially for a channel that already holds a unique place as the only free sports channel in France. Their diverse sports offerings — from biathlon to French football matches — can serve a wide audience. It’s about utilizing that unique proposition effectively to compete with established news channels.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point! Given that L’Équipe currently occupies channel 21 and aims for positions like 8 or 12, how might this transition affect their programming and strategy going forward?
Sports Media Expert: Securing a channel like 8 or 12 would enable L’Équipe to align itself more closely with information channels such as France Info and LCI, which often attract viewers looking for serious news. This could foster a more robust brand image and allow them to enhance their news coverage related to sports, creating a more comprehensive viewing experience. Additionally, we might see strategic shifts in their programming to enhance their appeal, such as more interactive content, live coverage of significant events, and sports analysis shows that coincide with major news cycles.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how much influence a channel’s number can have on its perception and reach. The article also highlights the importance of L’Équipe’s role as a free sports channel. Do you think this factor gives them a competitive edge in a market saturated with subscription services?
Sports Media Expert: Absolutely! The unique proposition of being a free-to-air sports channel is immensely valuable in today’s market, where many viewers are looking for accessible content without the burden of subscriptions. Especially in a sport-loving nation like France, where accessibility can drive viewership, L’Équipe stands to gain significantly by attracting not only die-hard sports fans but also casual viewers. Their challenge will be to maintain high-quality content that keeps viewers coming back.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what do you think the future holds for sports broadcasting in France? Will we see more channels like L’Équipe emerge, or will the landscape remain dominated by larger networks?
Sports Media Expert: The landscape is likely to evolve. As viewing habits shift and more people seek free content, channels like L’Équipe might inspire similar models, especially in niche sports broadcasting. However, larger networks will always have their dominance due to their extensive resources and established viewer bases. There may also be increased partnerships and collaborations between channels to leverage content and share audiences. The next few years will be pivotal as networks adapt to viewer preferences and technological advancements.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights today. It seems that as the media landscape transforms, there are both challenges and opportunities ahead for L’Équipe and others in the sports broadcasting realm.
Sports Media Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for sports media, and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.