The closure of C8, part of the Canal+ group, has sent shockwaves through the French media industry. Gérald-Brice Viret, the Director General of Canal+ France, expressed his sentiments during the last emotional episode of the popular show TPMP (Touche Pas À Mon Poste) on February 27, 2025. The final broadcast reached unprecedented viewership, garnering nearly 10% of audience share throughout the day and resulting in 4 million viewers for the last episode, marking it as one of the channel's high points before the shutdown.
With a heavy heart, Viret noted, "C8 ne méritait pas ça," which translates to "C8 did not deserve this," underscoring the sense of loss felt among the channel's staff and loyal viewers. He articulated feelings of being "completely schizophrène" as he celebrated the channel's achievements juxtaposed against its abrupt ending due to regulatory issues. Viret lamented the impact on not only viewers but also the 400 employees who are now jobless. He observed, "The audiovisual police have transformed from guardians to executioners of audiovisual content, and this is the first time it has happened in our country."
The decision to close C8 was enforced by Arcom, the French media regulator, which cited repeated violations linked to the channel’s programming. C8 and its sister station NRJ12 were instrumental 20 years ago in the creation of digital terrestrial television (TNT) and now find themselves facing their demise simultaneously, leaving industry veterans bewildered. Viret, involved in the initial launch of these channels, referred to the situation as "a true waste, a heartbreaker. There will be a before and after in the audiovisual sector," he added.
Meanwhile, Cyril Hanouna, the infamous host of TPMP, is set to join the M6 group, which includes his transition to W9 for new programming set to air this coming September. This move follows his tumultuous tenure at C8, where his shows resulted in legal fines totaling €7.6 million for various regulatory breaches. Hanouna, known for his provocative style, will also be producing content for Fun Radio, marking the next chapter of his career.
The reaction from the media community to Hanouna’s transfer has been mixed. The Societies of Journalists for M6 and RTL released statements highlighting their unease over his arrival, indicating they will remain "vigilant" about how his inclusion could damage journalistic integrity, as voiced through their official communication on social media. "This announcement is the epilogue of several weeks of negotiations, during which the journalists’ societies of M6 and RTL expressed grave concerns about this media figure's arrival," the statement read.
Concerns include the potential erosion of journalistic standards, with employees fearing Hanouna's controversial persona might affect their operations. They expressed dissatisfaction with proposed preventive measures, including slight delays on broadcast features and internal penalties for any breaches. Many journalists at M6 stated they had previously asserted their opposition to Hanouna joining their team.
Adding to the tension, prominent M6 host Karine Le Marchand has openly stated, "S’il vient, je m’en vais," indicating she will resign if Hanouna joins the group. Le Marchand, who has clashed with Hanouna over the years, highlighted serious ethical concerns, insisting, "It is impossible to work beside someone who harasses, despises, and insults me continuously for seven years."
With C8’s closure, Viret calls for reflection and reform within the media regulatory framework, insisting there is now evident failure between Arcom and the public it serves. "We presented all guarantees of compliance to the regulatory authority to secure our broadcasting rights; now we will fight to change this narrative."
This closure marks the end of an era for many viewers who engaged with C8’s content, particularly those who tuned in for TPMP. Viret’s mixed feelings of pride and sorrow resonate throughout the industry as discussions continue on the future shape of French television and how regulatory bodies might adapt moving forward. With calls for action echoing through the corridors of Canal+, the questions remain: what lies next for the visual media scene, and how will audiences adapt to no longer having C8 as part of their viewing options?
Indeed, the impact of C8’s closure will reverberate throughout the media community, raising challenging questions not only about content regulation but also about the balancing act necessary to maintain viewer engagement alongside responsible broadcasting.