France to review AV sector
June 21, 2019
By Chris Forrester
Speaking at a special conference to mark 30 years of French media regulator the Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe revealed that the government would publish its paper outlining how it intends to revise the country’s audiovisual sector by October 2019.
Following the publication, there would be a ministerial council examination which would take place no later than January 2020.
Equity analysts at investment bank Exane/BNPP, in a note to clients June 20th, say that this represents a modest delay from the previous timeline.
“On the positive side with the prime minister having given these guideline it seems likely that they will be fulfilled. As a reminder, French TV regulation, drafted 30 years ago is among the least commercial in Europe and adapted poorly to resist the digital world. If accepted, the reform will have a positive medium and long-term impact on TF1, M6 & Canal Plus as these players will be better equipped to compete with global platforms such as Netflix & Amazon.”