As you probably know, the M6 and TF1 groups have been engaged in a standoff against Molotov for several months. And after M6, the TF1 group obtained in early January the conviction of Molotov to a fine of 8.5 million euros for “counterfeiting”. Justice estimated as for M6 that Molotov broadcast the channels of the group without authorization.
Initially Molotov benefited from an experimental agreement with TF1, but the latter ended. in 2019 and was not renewed. Without Molotov stopping broadcasting the group’s channels. TF1 had however set conditions. If Molotov wanted to continue to broadcast the TF1 channels in the clear, it had to go to the cash register, with a decreasing rate according to the number of subscribers.
Molotov reintegrates TF1 channels into its paid offers
Unacceptable conditions for Molotov, the bill amounting to at least 4 million euros per year. From there, Molotov could have chosen to do without broadcasting the TF1 channels. But, obviously, it is complicated for a TV broadcasting service to survive without offering the broadcasting of national channels as popular as TF1.
Suddenly, Molotov announces this Monday, February 7 the return of the TF1 channels in the live offer. However, accessing it will necessarily require subscribing to a paid offer. Since Molotov is required to pay to broadcast these channels which are however available free of charge on other broadcasting methods.
The firm explains in a press release: “Molotov will henceforth distribute the free-to-air channels of the TF1 Group in its pay offers. Given the conditions set by the TF1 Group to maintain free access to its content on its platform, Molotov is now forced to distribute the free-to-air channels of the TF1 Group in its paid offers”.
And the firm to continue: “From now on, only paying Molotov users will therefore be able to continue to access TF1 Group channels. Molotov announces that it has signed the conditions set by the TF1 Group for the distribution of the TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 film series and LCI channels. This agreement also concerns the replays and bonuses of these channels (available soon).”
The firm concludes the press release in a bitter way, underlining to act in a constrained manner: “Molotov regrets this situation and reaffirms its commitment to free DTT channels for all. It is also important to note that all the other DTT channels are accessible free of charge on Molotov, apart from those of the TF1 and M6 groups”.
Read also – Molotov – after the convictions of M6 and TF1 what future for the TV application?
We also note in passing that “Molotov is currently ceasing the distribution of the TF1 Group’s pay channels (TV Breizh, Ushuaïa TV and Histoire TV)”channels for which discussions with the TF1 group are still ongoing.