an “unprecedented” decision by Arcom which is not “surprising”, according to journalist Isabelle Roberts

By excluding C8 from the reallocation of DTT frequencies in 2025, Arcom has taken a decision “which is not so surprising”reacted Wednesday July 24 on franceinfo Isabelle Roberts, journalist, co-founder of the site Lesjours.fr and co-author of a series of articles on Vincent Bolloré’s media empire. “The C8 hearing on July 9th went very badly for the directors of Canal+ and C8 who, when asked questions by Arcom advisers, showed a great deal of arrogance, even denial.”she recalled.

The fact remains that it is a “unprecedented decision” in the eyes of the specialist. “C8 is the biggest offender in digital terrestrial television with a 7.6 million fine”stressed Isabelle Roberts, which makes it the most sanctioned channel of all TNT, and “very far”A record amount due to the repeated slip-ups of Cyril Hanouna, host of “Touche pas à mon poste”.

According to her, “It’s a hard blow” for C8, which belongs to the Canal+ group, in the hands of conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré. “What is clear is that since Vincent Bolloré took control and Cyril Hanouna became a kind of petty despot, sanctions have multiplied”added the journalist. The audiovisual policeman based his decision in particular on “the interest of each project for the public with regard to the priority imperative of pluralism of socio-cultural currents of expression”according to its press release.

However, this decision by the regulator not to reassign a DTT frequency to C8 is subject to appeal. “They [les dirigeants du groupe Canal+] “They systematically do this for every fine they are given.”comments Isabelle Roberts. “There is no doubt that they will certainly relocate Cyril Hanouna to another Canal+ channel”she added.