France Télévisions, the public broadcasting group in France, is set to undergo a significant transformation starting June 6, 2025, as announced by the group's president, Delphine Ernotte Cunci, on March 25, 2025. During a press conference, Ernotte detailed the rollout of a new unified media brand, france.tv, which will replace the logos of France 2, France 3, France 4, and France 5. This decision aligns with a broader strategy aimed at refreshing the network's identity in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
"On France 2 and all the group’s channels, you will no longer see a .2 in the upper right but will see france.tv," Ernotte stated, highlighting how traditional identifiers may not resonate with younger audiences. The change is not merely cosmetic; it represents an essential step toward revitalizing viewer engagement and aligning the broadcast channels with modern social media habits.
The change comes alongside a significant restructuring of channel numbering, also linked to the cessation of C8 and NRJ12 from digital terrestrial television (TNT) as of late February. Under the new order, France 4 will take over channel 4, a move Ernotte described as logical, as it consolidates the channel number for a clearer viewer experience. "Grouping the numbers frees us from the need to display those numbers and has allowed us to more swiftly implement the brand revolution," she asserted.
Although launching a single brand, France Télévisions will maintain distinct identities for certain channels. Franceinfo, a continuous news channel, will keep its branding. Specialized channels aimed at youth and overseas broadcasts will similarly retain their unique marks. This segmented approach aims to retain existing audiences while enhancing visibility in an increasingly digital outlook.
The push towards the unified france.tv brand is also evidently influenced by platforms like the BBC, which have effectively streamlined their offerings. Ernotte cited a common path that emphasizes the need for cohesion amid fierce competition from budget streaming services. She remarked, "Union makes strength, and our challenge is to be recognized during this era of apps and social networks."
Among the ambitions tied to the new branding is an increase in viewership for the online platform, france.tv, a free streaming service that has already garnered a hefty 36 million visitors per month. Originally launched in 2017, cette plateforme has evolved significantly since its inception and is set to integrate all public audiovisual video content by the middle of 2025. This will include not only France Télévisions’ shows but also content from LCP, Public Sénat, TV5 Monde, and others.
In a commitment to enhanced youth programming, France 4 is expected to renew and expand its offerings. The new channel setup will allow for easier access for young viewers by moving France 4 from channel 14 to channel 4. This strategic repositioning aims to double the number of films broadcast annually on the channel, alongside an enhanced slate of documentaries and educational content. Stéphane Sitbon Gomez, the director of antennas at France Télévisions, remarked that these changes underline the network’s commitment to providing valuable programming aimed at children and young adults.
Ernotte plan to implement these extensive changes coincide with a potential bid for a third term at the helm of France Télévisions, signaling her determination to steer the organization toward a dynamic future. As these changes roll out, viewers will be waiting to see whether they can adapt to a familiar yet distinctly new era of French public broadcasting.
The changes are pending approval from relevant regulatory bodies, ensuring that the complete rollout of the new numbering and branding will not only meet the expectations of the viewers but also align with regulatory standards in broadcasting. As the French media landscape continues to shift at breakneck speed, France Télévisions aims to position itself not just as a television network, but as a digital content leader on the international stage.
