Remains how this vigilance will speak today

"The other audiovisual groups do not have to pay the strategic error of TF1 in the TNT." The reflection of a leader of the "PAF" sums up the general feeling: the planned rise of TF1 in NT1 and TMC is not seen a good look at bottom of upheaval in the entire audiovisual sector and advertising crisis. Already a leader in the advertising market, TF1 will further increase its dominant position. Since its acquisition of 40 of TMC alongside AB in 2004, the group is already made draw the ear by the competition authority. He was sentenced late 2008 to a fine of 250,000 euros for do not comply with its commitments on the independence of the advertising Board of TMC. On the industrial plan, operation threat, according to critics, disrupt the landscape and to impair the diversity by the CSA. One of the "new entrants" TNT, that Parliament had chosen to promote by the Broadcasting Act of 2000 which gave birth to the TNT, will disappear in favour of the market leader. In authorizing the taking of minority interest of TF1 in AB in 2007, the CSA had established conditions. While considering that this operation "is placed not Group AB under his arm", he added that it would be "very vigilant about the evolution of the whole of the financial relationship between AB and TF1 group". Remains how this vigilance will speak today. "The market has evolved considerably, and the authorities must take into account", defending at TF1.

"The situation is serious."

In the selection of the channels of DTT in 2002, the CSA had retained four new generalist channels to ensure a diversity of operators: TMC (Pathé in origin, then AB and TF1) and tomorrow the single TF1, NT1 (AB group and TF1), Direct 8 (Group Bolloré) and NRJ 12 (NRJ). "Seven years later, only two generalist channels are always part of the independent", advance Gérald-Brice Viret, Director General of NRJ12. NRJ12 stressed that with now three channels on DTT over a fourth to come, probably TVBreizh, the TF1 group will hold about half of the generalist channels "PAF". "The situation is serious for us, adds Gérald-Brice Viret.". TF1 and M6 must have a string added bonus on DTT in 2011. If this is the case, we will return to a duopoly. We will fight this, or at least ask have we also a chain bonus. "His Direct 8 did not wish to speak on the subject. But last year, Vincent Bolloré indicated in "The cross" that the Group had the ambition to create a second string. "Everything is calé: the concept and the means.". There is more than the awarding of a channel by the CSA. "If groups like that of TF1 and M6 have already obtained several channels on DTT, there is no reason in denying us a second", he said. The competitors wish now that the CSA asked TF1 to make his "bonus frequency" in exchange for the redemption of TMC and NT1. But for the time being, it is listed in the marble of the Act.