Canal+ is reconsidering its presence on TNT, with a possible exit that could reshape French television. With only 70,000 paid TNT subscribers and traditional formats losing ground, the network may pivot towards digital platforms like myCANAL. By June 2025, only CNews and Cstar might remain, while channel 4 could be reassigned to another operator. This shift signifies a strategic move away from conventional broadcasting, reflecting Canal+’s focus on digital streaming and potential financial savings.
Paid TNT may not be the go-to choice for accessing Canal+, with an estimated 70,000 subscribers, according to reports. The company is exploring alternative solutions amid the potential withdrawal of Canal+ channels, which could significantly impact the landscape of French television. Since 2022, new subscriptions have been halted, forcing existing subscribers to seek other forms of TNT access.
Who Will Inherit Channel 4?
Canal+ has been a staple on TNT since its inception in 2005, but it might soon be the first major network to step away voluntarily, citing protest as the reason.
In a strategic pivot towards digital offerings like the myCANAL platform, Canal+ may inadvertently signal the decline of traditional terrestrial television, which still reaches about 20% of households. Even as operator boxes gain popularity in 2024, the rise of smart TVs poses new challenges. If TNT loses channels for the first time in its history, its appeal could diminish in favor of IP television, whether or not Canal+ is part of the mix.
Currently, Canal+ operates seven channels on TNT:
By June 2025, it’s anticipated that only CNews and Cstar may remain, potentially receiving new channel numbers (rumored to be 12 and 16, though not yet confirmed). Meanwhile, C8 has not been renewed by Arcom, and the remaining Canal+ channels are expected to exit voluntarily.
If Canal+ proceeds with this course of action, channel 4 will likely be reassigned to another contender, marking a significant shift in the French media scene. Historically, channel 4 has been synonymous with Canal+, regardless of the platform. France 4 seems to be the logical candidate, although TF1 might compete to bring it under its TMC banner. This raises important questions about the future actions of Orange, SFR, Bouygues, and Free: Will they hand channel 4 back to Canal+, or allow it to transfer to its new owner on TNT?
Is Traditional Television Facing Extinction Due to Canal+?
From a strategic viewpoint, this potential shift aligns well with Canal+’s goals. The way it broadcasts programming is evolving away from traditional formats, favoring on-demand streams for special occasions. It’s unlikely that a paid TNT subscriber will have access to their preferred Champions League matches via Canal+, as the group also shares these broadcasts across its Canal+ Live and Canal+ Foot channels.
By guiding paid TNT users to a more innovative box, which offers complete access to the myCANAL app, Canal+ is enhancing its digital ecosystem at the expense of conventional television. The outdated nature of TNT is evident, with its current box only supporting Full HD, HDMI 1.4, and SCART outputs—indicators of its target demographic. For several years, TNT has not been a focal point in Canal+’s broader strategy.
As noted by media outlet Les Jours, Canal+ is on the verge of going public, and this move could solidify its position against TNT, using the fate of C8 as a rationale for distancing itself from its partners.
By withdrawing from TNT, Canal+ is fast-tracking its shift to a digital platform model akin to that of Netflix or Prime Video. This maneuver could save the company between 10 and 15 million euros while crafting a narrative that appears to address Arcom’s concerns. The decision stands to impact traditional television negatively, as Canal+ seems increasingly confident in its ability to thrive independently.