Following a trial against TF1, Molotov will no longer be able to offer the group’s channels free of charge.
The ax fell for Molotov. After being deprived of the channels of the M6 group a few months ago, the streaming platform has just announced the withdrawal of the channels of the TF1 group. In an open letter addressed to its users, it states: “Molotov will now distribute the free-to-air channels of the TF1 group in its paid offers. Given the conditions set by the TF1 Group to maintain free access to its content on its platform, Molotov is now forced to distribute the unencrypted channels of the TF1 Group in its pay offers. From now on, only paying users of Molotov will therefore be able to continue to access TF1 Group channels”.
8.5 million euros fine
At the origin of this decision, a almost three years illegal broadcast. Recall that between 2015 and 2019, the TF1 group authorized Molotov to broadcast its channels for an annual rent of 1.5 million euros. A sum then revised upwards by the first channel in Europe, which now demanded 4 million euros to perpetuate its agreement. While refusing to pay, Molotov had however continued to broadcast the group’s channels for free between 2019 and 2021. After a legal battle lasting several months, the courts finally ruled in favor of TF1, inflicting on Molotov a fine of 8.5 million euros.
Reserved for paying subscribers
In his letter, Molotov thus explains that he will not do without the channels of the TF1 group: just like for M6, these will however be reserved for paying subscribers. In addition, the firm’s three paid channels (TV Breizh, Ushuaïa TV and Histoire TV) will remain unavailable until further notice, including for premium offers. Patience, therefore, the situation will undoubtedly change in the coming days. For its part, the company reaffirmed its “attachment to free-to-air DTT channels for all”. Apart from the channels of the M6 and TF1 groups, all DTT channels are accessible free of charge on the platform.
In the meantime, Molotov remains accessible from any smart TV or connected device. In the free version, it gives access to 36 free channels,
