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Canal+ Leaves Terrestrial Television in France
Canal+ ended its terrestrial television broadcasts in France on June 6th, 2024, affecting 70,000 subscribers, highlighting the shift from traditional broadcasting to streaming services and illustrating a broader trend in media consumption.
- How does Canal+'s decision reflect broader changes in media consumption and technological advancements?
- Canal+'s departure from TNT, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in France, highlights the decline of terrestrial television reception. The rise of streaming services, utilizing internet networks from ADSL to fiber optics, has made traditional antenna reception obsolete. This trend is further evidenced by Radio France's Mouv' station ceasing FM broadcasts in September 2024 to focus on digital platforms.
- What is the significance of Canal+'s move away from terrestrial television (TNT) broadcasting in France?
- On June 6th, Canal+, a major French television group, ceased broadcasting its pay-TV channels (Canal+, Canal+ Cinema, Canal+ Sport, and Planète) on terrestrial television (TNT). This marks a historic shift to high-speed internet distribution, impacting 70,000 TNT subscribers who can now access channels through connected boxes. This move reflects a broader trend away from traditional broadcasting.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of this shift on the French media landscape and the future of broadcasting?
- The transition away from terrestrial broadcasting signifies a fundamental shift in media consumption. The phasing out of FM radio by 2033 in France and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation's prior termination of FM broadcasts in late 2024 illustrate the accelerating trend towards digital media consumption. This trend will likely result in further consolidation within the media industry and the obsolescence of traditional broadcasting technologies.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Canal+'s departure from TNT as a progressive and inevitable step, emphasizing the advantages of streaming. This framing might downplay the concerns of those who rely on traditional broadcasting and could influence readers to view the shift as uniformly positive.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although phrases like "irresistibly aspirated" and "sonnant le glas" (sounding the death knell) carry slightly loaded connotations suggesting inevitability and finality, which might not be entirely accurate.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Canal+'s move away from TNT, but omits discussion of the potential negative impacts this might have on viewers with limited or no internet access. This omission could leave a significant portion of the population underserved and misrepresents the full consequences of this shift.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between traditional broadcast television (TNT) and streaming. While it highlights the dominance of streaming, it doesn't fully acknowledge the continued existence and relevance of other forms of television distribution, such as cable or satellite.
Sustainable Development Goals
The shift from terrestrial television to streaming represents a significant advancement in information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure. This transition aligns with SDG 9 which promotes resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation. The move to streaming enhances accessibility, efficiency, and potentially reduces environmental impact associated with broadcasting.