Jobaaj Stories
SFR's Acquisition Spree: A Power Play in French Television
In a bold move that shook the French television landscape, SFR, a subsidiary of Altice, acquired exclusive broadcasting rights to several popular channels previously held by Canal+. This strategic acquisition, announced in 2016, significantly expanded SFR's content offerings and intensified its rivalry with Canal+.
Exclusive Channels and New Content
SFR secured exclusive rights to key channels from Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, Discovery Science, Discovery Investigation, and Discovery Family) and NBCUniversal International (13ème Rue, Syfy, and E!). Furthermore, SFR committed to launching a new channel entirely dedicated to cinema and series, featuring NBCUniversal productions and European content, solidifying its position as a major player in the pay-TV market. This deal reportedly cost SFR €30 million annually for the Discovery channels alone—double Canal+'s previous cost.
Impact on Competitors: Freebox and Canal+
The ripple effect of SFR's acquisitions impacted Free, whose Freebox Révolution with TV by Canal lost access to several of these newly exclusive channels (E!, 13ème Rue, Syfy, Discovery Channel, and Discovery Science). While Canal+ responded by adding new channels like Viceland, the loss of several popular channels remains a significant blow. Canal+, however, downplayed the strategic impact, asserting its focus on high-performing channels within key genres.
Regulatory Changes and Strategic Necessity
SFR's aggressive pursuit of exclusive channels wasn't purely strategic. Following Altice's acquisition of SFR, regulatory changes imposed by the French Competition Authority forced SFR to compete directly for exclusive rights or risk losing channels during contract renegotiations. This move effectively countered Canal+'s previous dominance in securing exclusive content.
Conclusion: A Shifting Pay-TV Landscape
SFR's "rachat SFR" of exclusive channels represents a pivotal moment in the French pay-TV market. This aggressive strategy underscores Altice's ambition to become a dominant content distributor, escalating the competition with established players like Canal+. The long-term consequences of this power play remain to be seen, but it's clear that the landscape of French television is significantly altered.
