In a constantly evolving context, the Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (Arcom) is considering the establishment of a news channel network within the Digital Terrestrial Television (TNT). This initiative involves grouping several continuous news channels, such as LCI, France Info, BFM TV, and CNews, through a new numbering system, thereby facilitating access and visibility of these channels to viewers. This widely discussed project was detailed by the president of Arcom, Roch-Olivier Maistre, during a recent hearing in the Senate.
The stakes of channel numbering
The numbering of channels on the TNT is crucial, as the lowest numbers are often favored to attract a wider audience. The reallocation of 15 TNT frequencies planned for 2025 will represent an opportunity to rethink this numbering. Arcom will need to establish agreements with the selected channels to allow them to broadcast on these new channels. This process will take place by the end of the year, with decisions expected in early December 2024 regarding the numbering of continuous news channels.
A growing demand for a news block
The creation of a block of news channels is a major concern for many media stakeholders. Roch-Olivier Maistre emphasized that this issue has been “on the table for quite some time,” indicating a demonstrated desire from several news channels. The ramifications of a numbering change could significantly impact the audience of these channels. Indeed, channel number 26, currently assigned to LCI, may be reconsidered to address its unfavorable positioning in relation to direct competitors such as BFMTV and CNews, which are positioned at 15 and 16, respectively.
The challenges posed by a numbering change
Moving channels from one number to another brings cascading consequences that must not be overlooked. Resources must be put in place to inform the public of these changes, which could create confusion among viewers accustomed to their channels. Additionally, some channels, like France O, have already left some numbers vacant, making the overall channel configuration even more complicated. Creating a block of news channels would improve the visibility and access to this information while maintaining some coherence in the organization of numbers on the platform.
Prospects for the news industry
Thierry Thuillier, head of news for the TF1 group, recently highlighted the importance of a news channel block to “recreate a form of equal opportunity” among the different actors in the sector. Currently, audience figures show a significant gap: BFMTV attracts about 12 million viewers each day, while LCI captures only 6 million. Consequently, the inequity associated with channel numbering is becoming increasingly apparent, calling for a reform that could give each channel an equal chance to be known and attract viewers.
The public and professionals’ reaction
Despite the advantages of such restructuring, some groups, such as RMC BFM, warn against a potential disruption of viewer habits. Nicolas de Tavernost stated that “the public’s interest is to keep the numbers unchanged” in order to preserve the stability of viewing habits. Discussions around this project highlight the tensions between the need to modernize the display of news channels and the public’s desire to retain their old references.
An uncertain future for the TNT
As Arcom prepares to make fundamental decisions regarding this new organization of news channels, the audiovisual sector stands at a critical turning point. The choices made in the coming months will determine not only the composition of the French media landscape but also the way information will be consumed in the future. The community of publishers and the regulator will have a central role to play in establishing a framework that meets viewers’ expectations while ensuring fair competition in the sector.
