Canal+ proposes seven commitments to win watchdog approval for Direct 8 and Star

Canal+ has proposed seven commitments to win Autorité de la concurrence approval for its acquisition of Direct 8 and Star. The two channels are “free-to-air” (FTA). The commitments are as follows:

– For the sale of broadcasting rights of Studio Canal films, Canal+ will not favor Direct 8 and Star relative to other channels;
– Canal+ is to conduct separate negotiations, for its pay channels and for its FTA channels, when purchasing broadcasting rights of American movies and series;
– Canal+ will cap its purchase of French productions to 20 a year;
– The broadcasting rights for major sports matches will be sold to other FTA broadcasters;
– For its own FTA channels, Canal+ commits to only showing five a year;
– Direct 8 or Star will broadcast football matches purchased for Canal’s premium channels (twelve Ligue 1 matches per year, and two European matches);
– Havas, the advertising agency controlled by Direct 8 and Star’s seller the Bolloré Group, will not be favored.

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