French broadcaster TF1 will acquire a 70 per cent stake in FLCP, the holding company of the production and distribution group Newen.
TF1 hopes develop French production in foreign markets, with a focus on building relationships with major European broadcasters. The company, France’s largest commercial broadcaster, has said that the partnership will allow for increased investment into into the research and development of new programmes across all genres and all platforms, and will help meet the challenges of developing French production, in France and across Europe.
TF1 has stressed that the deal will respect the principles of editorial freedom and commercial independence. With Newen under its control, TF1 aims to deliver international co-productions as well as develop new original content.
The deal is part of TF1 group’s move into content, with the aim of developing a new line of business operating independently of its channels, TF1, TMC, NT1 and HD1. Newen has said it will maintain close relationships with its existing customers, and has stressed it will ensure ‘quality programmes will be maintained over the long term’.
