The French culture ministry has opened a public consultation on the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT) provision.
France’s Ministère de la Culture has launched a wide-ranging consultation into viewing habits and preferences across the nation as it considers the future of direct terrestrial television beyond 2030.
Terrestrial frequencies used by DTT are guaranteed by law until the end of 2030, beyond which the country is free to either renew or abandon the provision. The same legislation requires the government to submit a report on “the prospects for broadcasting and distributing television services in France” by December 31.
Ahead of this report, the ministry is seeking the opinions of industry professionals and the French viewing public, with the consultation offering the opportunity “to express their views on the changes in audiovisual consumption habits that they observe, on the adaptations of offers and economic models that they deem necessary as a result, by 2030 and beyond,” according to reports in the French media.
Statistics from France’s Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (ARCOM) suggest almost half of households watch TV over the internet, although the body has allocated frequencies to channels including CMI and Ouest France until 2035.
The consultation will run until March 31, after which the government will consider whether to maintain the status quo, end DTT transmissions or continue with a hybrid model.
