French competition authority approves Salto

Following the favourable opinion from the CSA (the French audiovisual regulator) on 17 July 2019 and the authorisation issued today by the French Competition Authority, the TF1, M6 and France Télévisions groups announce that the Salto joint venture will be able to commence operations. Salto’s commercial offer is due to launch in the first quarter of 2020.

The project will be developed in compliance with the undertakings given to the Competition Authority.

The launch of Salto will represent a major advance for the French audiovisual sector in the face of head-on competition from international platforms. With Salto, the France Télévisions, M6 and TF1 groups will pool their resources in an ambitious local response to evolving audience expectations, while further strengthening their active participation in the French and European creative industries.

Delphine Ernotte Cunci, CEO of France Télévisions says: “Now that Salto has been approved, we will at last be able to put together Team France in broadcasting, which I have been longing for. The launch of the platform will very soon give us what we need to compete against international players on our own territory. And it will be a new way for the French and European creative industries to engage with their public.”

Gilles Pélisson, CEO of the TF1 group says: “I am pleased that this project is being realised, embodying as it does a new ambition for the French broadcasting industry. The Competition Authority’s ruling is a very positive sign, because it shows that the authorities are aware of the need to support and accompany industry players in making the innovative changes needed to meet new challenges.”

Nicolas de Tavernost, Chairman of the Executive Board of M6 Group says: “This ruling finally gives us theopportunity to work together to develop an offer and a platform that are in phase with changing usage. Our channels are popular with French people, our content is attractive and our technology is very advanced: all reasons to welcome the forthcoming launch of an ambitious joint offer like Salto.”