End of distribution agreements with Numericable-SFR for TF1 group free-to-air channels and MYTF1

Boulogne, 29 July 2017

End of distribution agreements with Numericable-SFR
for TF1 group free-to-air channels and MYTF1

Sixteen months ago, the TF1 group entered into commercial discussions with Numericable-SFR which led, in July 2016, to the creation of a new offering called “TF1 Premium”. This package entitled Numericable-SFR to distribute the TF1 group’s free-to-air channels, the MYTF1 catch up service and new associated services (start-over*, enhanced catch up**, etc).

The TF1 group is disappointed that Numericable-SFR terminated those discussions in April 2017.

From 29 July 2017, the expiry date of the contracts, in the absence of any agreement with the TF1 group, Numericable-SFR is no longer authorised to exploit commercially MYTF1 or the TF1 group’s free-toi-air channels.

As a result, the TF1 group is no longer in a position to supply the MYTF1 catch up service to Numericable-SFR and has asked the distributor to cease commercial exploitation of the TF1, TMC, NT1, HD1 and LCI channels.

Finding that Numericable-SFR is continuing to exploit the TF1 group’s channels commercially without agreement, the TF1 group intends to use all available legal remedies to enforce its rights.

The TF1 group points out that viewers can access the catch up service for its free-to-air channels on MYTF1.fr and via the MYTF1 app on mobiles and tablets. The channels continue to be available on DTT.

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The TF1 group reminds the reader of the following sequence of events:

• In March 2016, the TF1 group informed Numericable-SFR of its intention to completely restructure the terms for the distribution of its free-to-air channels and MYTF1 to re-establish an economic level playing field between the parties.
   
• In July 2016, the new “TF1 Premium” offering was proposed to Numericable-SFR.
   
• The distribution agreements for the TF1 group’s channels (TF1, TMC, NT1, HD1, LCI) and the MYTF1 catch up service expired on 31 December 2016.
   
• In order to facilitate the conclusion of a new agreement, the TF1 group agreed to extend the distribution agreements until 28 July 2017.
   
• In April 2017, Numericable-SFR terminated the discussions and referred the matter to the CSA dispute resolution service.

* Start-over: function that enables the viewer to return to the start of a programme during transmission.
** Enhanced catch up: for example, catch up available beyond 7 days, premieres, HD quality content, etc