The new T18 French television channel, set to launch on June 6, 2025, aims to carve its niche within France's crowded broadcasting market.
Christopher Baldelli, who spoke at the seventh edition of the Médias en Seine event, recently expressed optimism about T18's future during its presentation to the French media regulator, ARCOM. The channel, which was previously referred to as Réels TV until its rebranding, is helmed by the Czech media mogul Daniel Kretinsky's company, CMI. According to Baldelli, T18 is not just another addition to the existing array of channels—its goal is to achieve profitability within the next few years.
"We are not launching this channel to create one that's perpetually deficit," Baldelli remarked, acknowledging the need for financial sustainability. "The first three years will see losses, but I believe we have chances of reaching small equilibrium as early as the fourth year." This recognition of the financial challenges posed by television production highlights the complex nature of launching new media outlets.
Under its agreement with ARCOM, T18 has committed to airing at least 1,260 hours of original programming annually. It will offer over 3,000 hours of documentaries encompassing diverse genres such as science, history, geopolitics, culture, and social themes. The channel also plans to produce 1,000 hours of information or societal magazines, complemented by broadcasts of 20 artistic films and 25 live performances during prime time. Such ambitious goals are reflective of T18's intent to create varied and rich content, which will require thoughtful purchasing and production strategies.
Baldelli noted the channel's budget could scale to around 30 million euros annually once it hits its operational stride. This anticipation of sustaining high-quality programming contrasts starkly with the challenges faced by competitor channels, such as the now-defunct L'Équipe TV, which struggled to establish itself effectively within the same space.
Although T18 is stepping onto the stage with considerable backing, it is also aware of the competitive atmosphere. With 25 channels already available on French TNT, Baldelli stated, "There will be 25 TNT channels tomorrow," signaling serious market saturation. To attract viewers and advertisers, T18 will need to stand out without getting lost among its competitors.
"We don't aim to become another music channel or 24-hour news outlet. The goal—and I believe this is why the channel was selected—is to provide different and complementary offerings to those already available," Baldelli explained during the event. This commitment to uniqueness might be the edge T18 needs as it sails alongside well-established broadcasters.
Looking at the shifting media environment, the launch of T18 offers insights about the evolution of television consumption. Audiences increasingly seek channels with specialized programming—thus, T18 will strive to tap niches untouched by existing channels.
Throughout France, viewers are eager for alternative options and varied programming; T18 hopes its diversification strategy can meet these demands and prove viable commercial success.
With its unique value proposition and support from notable stakeholders, T18's launch is anticipated not just by its creators but also by curious audiences eager for fresh content. The coming months will be instrumental as T18 prepares to engage the public and carve its mark on the French television scene. All eyes will be on the channel as it strives to fulfill its commitments and navigate the competitive media battleground.