The continuation after advertising
“L’Express” does not disarm. Unhappy candidate in 2024 to obtain a TNT frequency with its “L’Express TV” project, the company led by Alain Weill calls for the Arch “to continue the revival of the free TNT offer by authorizing new entrants, leaders of solid projects, editorially differentiating and economically viable”.
This offensive comes as the regulator launched a public consultation on the future of the four frequencies released by Canal+ (those of paid channels Canal+, Canal+ Cinema, Canal+ Sport and Planet) and that the Ministry of Culture wonders about the future of TNT after 2030.
Read also: “Artificial intelligence will be an accelerator”: with “L’Express”, Alain Weill wants to conquer Europe
At the same time, Alain Weill is looking for European partners to finance his expansion announced internationally: according to “Les Echos”, the press group is about to raise 15 million euros, via a capital opening.
Immobility, a “threat”
To try to convince the Arcom to satisfy its television ambitions, Alain Weill mobilizes many arguments. According to him, immobility directly threatens the French television ecosystem. Without new initiatives, TNT “risks erosion”, with the reduction of its uses, the disengagement of operators and the loss of visibility for information programs and French works.
The former boss of BFMTV and RMC also points to the flight of advertising investments to foreign platforms. “To do nothing is to let these recipes escape the regulated actors, while the linear channels remain efficient with advertisers,” he said in his press release.
“L’Express” also denounces “the concentration of the audiovisual landscape which is accentuated around a few large economic groups”. Faced with this situation, the choice of Arch to keep the same number of free TNT channels is described as a strategic error.
“TNT still has great years ahead of it”
“Without this increased mobilization, advertising inventories will continue their exodus to extra-European digital platforms”, regrets Alain Weill, who believes that an progression of the offer remains “essential to maintain the diversity of voices and formats”.
Read also: What future for TNT after 2030? The state has launched a consultation on the future of television
The press group also ensures that it is possible to enrich the offer without harming the historic channels. It also warns the risk that technical modernization (UHD, HDR) will become a brake on access to the public.
“The status quo is not an option. It is now that it is necessary to act so as not to freeze the audiovisual landscape, while the TNT still has great years before it,” said Alain Weill “The Express is ready. The Arcom has no risk to take, but a clear signal to send. You have to open the game. You need a new chain.” Now. “
Read also: End of Canal+ channels on TNT: What offer to replace the 4 freed channels?
