In a significant announcement made on Monday, April 14, 2025, the Ouest-France group revealed the name of its upcoming television channel: NOVO19. The number 19 signifies its position on the TNT (Télévision Numérique Terrestre) network, marking a new chapter in French broadcasting.
The name "NOVO" is derived from the contraction of the French words "nous" (we) and "vous" (you), as explained by Cyril Petit, the deputy editor-in-chief responsible for national development at Ouest-France. He stated on LinkedIn that "the NOVO19 channel reflects its editorial promise: to carry new voices, from all horizons." This reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in programming.
Initially, the name "OFTV" was considered but ultimately set aside in favor of NOVO19. This new national free channel is set to provide a rich variety of programming, including magazines, news programs (JT), cinema, sports, fiction, live performances, and documentaries. A highlight of the channel will be a seventy-five-minute talk show that will air every evening around 19:00, aiming to engage viewers with relevant and entertaining content.
The launch of NOVO19 is part of a broader shift in French television. On July 24, 2024, the Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (Arcom) decided to allocate two new TNT frequencies, one to T18, a channel of the CMI group owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, and the other to Ouest-France's new project. This decision was officially announced on December 12, 2024.
As part of its preparations for the launch, NOVO19 has assembled a team of seasoned television professionals. Guénaëlle Troly has been appointed as the general director of the channel, bringing her expertise to lead the initiative. Complementing her are several key figures in the television industry. Camille Moreau, who previously directed programming at RMC Découverte and RMC Story, will serve as the director of programs and antenna. Rodolphe Guignard, who has a robust background in documentary production, will take on the role of director of original production content at NOVO19.
Mathilde Escamilla, the new director of acquisitions, has a wealth of experience managing content acquisition projects for popular channels like Gulli and M6, as well as the M6+ streaming platform. Céline Monsallier, with over twenty years in audiovisual journalism, will lead the editorial team. She was instrumental in the launch of BFMTV and has founded a production company focused on positive-impact initiatives. Lastly, Sofian Biouti, the marketing communication director, has spent eight years with Canal+ and MyCanal before transitioning to TV Monaco.
As the channel gears up for its launch on September 1, 2025, it will be the first national channel located in a city with a population of less than one million, specifically in Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine. The name NOVO19, conceived by the Dream on agency, symbolizes a fresh approach to programming, aiming to resonate with viewers across France. The logo incorporates the well-known cockade of Ouest-France, further solidifying its identity.
In addition to the launch of NOVO19, changes will also be occurring in the TNT channel numbering system starting June 6, 2025. The franceinfo channel, which has been on channel 27 since its inception, will move to channel 16. Other channels will see similar shifts: BFMTV will be on channel 13, CNews on channel 14, and LCI on channel 15. France 4 will replace Canal+ on channel 4, while LCP-Public Sénat will be found on channel 8, and the Gulli cartoon channel will occupy channel 12. This unprecedented change in numbering is a result of the non-renewal of C8 and NRJ12 on the TNT network, as decided by Arcom.
The launch of NOVO19 is being closely watched as it promises to bring a new dynamic to French television, with an emphasis on engaging programming that reflects the diverse voices of the nation. This initiative not only represents a shift in content but also a strategic move in the evolving landscape of digital broadcasting in France.
