The French 24-hour news channel LCI is likely to close at the end of the year, according to Nonce Paolini, the head of TF1. This follows a controversial decision by the CSA not to allow it, along with Paris Première and Planet +, to move from a subscription to FTA, ad-funded DTT service, reports Broadband TV News.
In a detailed statement, the CSA says it considered requests for the three channels, operated by TF1 (LCI), M6 (Paris Première) and Canal+ (Planet+) to modify their method of funding, in accordance with of a law passed in September 1986 and amended in November 2013.
It based its decision on the state of the advertising market, financial position of existing free DTT channels and the supply and consumer demand for TV.
On the first point, the CSA concluded that no significant market recovery – TV ad revenues have dropped sharply – is expected in the short terms and the medium term outlook still remains uncertain.
Read more of this report from Broadband TV News.