For the first time since its launch in 1987, M6 must defend its dissemination authorization on TNT, coveted by the businessman Xavier Niel.
by Aude Dassonville
Xavier Niel will challenge “the sleeping beautiful”. Less than three hours after Arcom (ex-CSA) declared admissible its candidacy for a TNT frequency on Monday, January 23, the founder of Iliad (and individual shareholder of the world) roams his first punchlines in the duel who The Chairman of the Management Board of M6, Nicolas de Tavernost. Coming to the ceremony of wishes organized by the authority at the museum of the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, the two men gladly gave themselves the hug in front of the journalists, savoring the salt of the situation which put them in the presence the same day when their competition became frontal. Their showdown, however, started.
Does Xavier Niel believe in his chances, carried by the NJJ subsidiary 5523, to win a dissemination authorization on the channel occupied for thirty-six years by M6? “M6 has its chance, but we come to win,” replied the all -smile businessman, chaining on one of his attacking angles: “M6 is the most profitable channel in Europe, that means that it does not invest sufficiently in the programs. “
Nicolas de Tavernost, who said he was more concerned about the rivalry of platforms than that of Xavier Niel, knows the argument by heart. Thanks to an agreement signed by several players in the sector but still an unofficial, M6 is preparing to respond to it by increasing the percentage of turnover which it devotes to heritage works from 10.5 % to 11.5 %.
Under this obligation, she should commit to the independent creation documentary, as TF1 has just done – the only candidate, she, to renew her authorization -, but with a percentage twice as much important. In addition, while the Arcom “will appreciate each candidacy” according to “its contribution to the pluralism of information” (among other criteria), M6 could give wages in the matter, its current convention being devoid of any obligation.
French information and fictions
Baptized “Six” and developed by the vice-president of Iliad and former TF1 Maxime Lombardini, Xavier Niel’s project should also focus on information, for example by guaranteeing independence of the editorial staff. The dissemination of French fictions could also be significantly higher than it is, as well as the use of independent production – M6 preferring internalizing as much as it is allowed to manufacture its programs.
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