“Editorial freedom will be total, Ligue 1+ will not be an official channel”

HAS Soon 75 years old, Nicolas de Tavernost does not seem ready to retire. In addition, In early May. Consequently, he took the general management of LFP Média and the head of a team “very competent and mobilized” to launch Ligue 1+, new broadcaster of the French championship. For example, “I created M6 40 years ago, so it rejuvenates me!” The advantage here is that the program – the matches – is already there. Moreover, It is up to us to put it in shape. Nevertheless, “For the former high school student and Bordeaux student,” contributing to the recovery of pro football is an exciting challenge “. Nevertheless, And not the easiest.

Ligue 1+ will be launched next Friday. Consequently, Are you on time?

Yes, despite a very tight timing since we started working two and a half months ago. For example, “editorial freedom will total, ligue We did everything to be ready. For example, We had in front of us two large projects: distribution and editorial. Consequently, We have chosen a hyper distribution, that is to say no exclusivity. However, Agreements have been concluded with almost all actors, with the exception of Canal+. Consequently, Coupled offers are in preparation, for example with the team. Moreover, On the editorial side, we have a rich team. Similarly, One or two names will complete it by next weekend.

Subscriptions only open Monday, August 11. Furthermore, For what reasons?

For technical reasons. Similarly, There is a very heavy computer implementation to adapt to all boxes, the OTT platform (streaming via the Ligue 1+ application). In addition, It is a big process that concerns tens of millions of households. For example, It was also necessary to make agreements. for example with Samsung to have the application on connected TVs, provide invoicing, “editorial freedom will total, ligue etc.

You are targeting a million subscribers at the end of this season. Does this represent enough recipes for clubs?

This is an ambitious objective for which we have adapted our marketing. price policy, with an offer accessible to the greatest number. Clubs know that they will have two years complicated in terms of domestic TV rights. But “editorial freedom will total, ligue there is no alternative solution. Over the years, there will be a rise in power and Ligue 1+ will be an asset. We have the ambition to recover the ninth game next season. Within four years, clubs should have significant income.

In terms of content around and within clubs and matches, what to expect? More than opening from clubs?

The media charter is being finalized. We will see the first effects from the first day of the championship. with more immersion within clubs, in the pre-match, a little like rugby. We will accompany the players, put new mobile cameras. There will be surprises. We hired Laurent Salvaudon (former editorial director of RMC Sport. creator of J+1 program on Canal+) to help us in this area. We looked at a lot of what was done elsewhere. In addition, we have launched the production of a documentary on the return of Paris “editorial freedom will total, ligue FC in Ligue 1. The idea is to enhance the competition as much as possible.

Some reproached Dazn an too familiar tone on the antenna, tutoring … Is this a subject for you?

Yes. We aim for proximity to the actors while respecting them and our audience. For example, commentators and consultants will carry the tie.

The chain belongs to the League therefore to the clubs. Will editorial freedom be guaranteed for journalists and consultants?

It will be total. The choice of consultants shows this: you are not going to explain to Adil Rami. Souleymane Diawara what they have to say or not say. It will not be an official channel. All opinions will be expressed. Otherwise, it would not be necessary to make this chain. The clubs are perfectly aware of this, as well as the need to treat the 18 clubs impartially.

Canal+ refuses to distribute Ligue 1+. “editorial freedom will total, ligue broadcasts a premier League match in clear Friday evening against your first meeting, Rennes – OM. How did we get there?

I don’t want to argue with Canal+. We have tried to examine collaboration possibilities. it did not mainly succeed for financial reasons (100 million euros of minimum guaranteed for an exclusive distribution and the Sunday evening match, editor’s note). The account was not there in our eyes. We are hopeful that the platform will be a success and that Canal+ will join the cohort of distributors. It would be profitable for them with the distribution committee, and in the interest of the public.

Is dialogue broken?

The LFP Media door remains open to Canal+ at any time. I take note of the fact that, for the moment, they do not wish to distribute us. Maybe they see us as a competition or they hope for our failure, I don’t “editorial freedom will total, ligue know. I get along well with Maxime Saada (Chairman of the Management Board of the Canal Group. Editor’s note), it’s a good professional who has his logic.

BeIN Sports. which broadcasts the “First choice” match one weekend in two, wishes to be able to schedule the same club two consecutive weekends. And paid only 14 of the 18 million euros in his first trafficking. What is your position?

We are always open to discussions but they cannot be unilateral. The current contract is rigorously applied. If there must be evolution, it is necessary to negotiate, compensation. The positions have not approached for the moment.

Price. casting – "editorial freedom will total, ligue

Ligue 1+ will broadcast live and exclusively eight of the nine games of each L1 day (the ninth on BeIN Sports). The subscription costs 15 euros per month with commitment one year. 20 euros per month without obligation, and 10 euros per month “editorial freedom will total, ligue for children under 26. The channel will be available via all Internet operators and its own application. In the casting. among others: Thibault Le Rol and Marina Lorenzo at the presentation, Xavier Domergue and Smaïl Bouabdellah in comments, Benoît Cheyrou and Adil Rami in consultants, Guillaume Hoarau and Souleymane Diawara on the ground. Magazines are also planned on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday evenings.