GECs
Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France
MUMBAI: In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape France’s television landscape, Netflix has announced a landmark partnership with major French broadcaster TF1. From the summer of 2026, Netflix subscribers across France will gain direct access to TF1 Group’s live channels and extensive on-demand content, all seamlessly integrated into their existing Netflix subscription. This “first-of-its-kind partnership,” unveiled at the Cannes Lions advertising conference, signals a significant strategic shift for both media giants.
The deal will see Netflix members in France able to stream TF1’s five free-to-air linear television channels — TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, and LCI — directly through the Netflix platform. This unprecedented integration also includes access to over 30,000 hours of on-demand content from TF1+, the broadcaster’s own streaming service. Viewers will no longer need to switch between apps to catch popular French dramas like Broceliande and Demain nous appartient, entertainment staples such as The Voice, or even major live sporting events featuring France’s national football and basketball teams.
For Netflix, this collaboration is a clear step towards becoming a comprehensive “one-stop-shop” for television audiences globally. Netflix co-chief executive Greg Peters highlighted the synergy, stating the deal “plays to our strengths of giving audiences the best entertainment alongside the best discovery experience.”
By teaming up with France’s leading broadcaster, Netflix aims to provide “even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and to stay with us for all their entertainment.” The move is particularly astute given France’s stringent regulatory requirements that mandate international streaming platforms invest in and contribute to local content production.
Conversely, for TF1, whose chief executive Rodolphe Belmer expressed his delight, the alliance represents a crucial opportunity to expand its digital footprint and unlock new avenues for advertisers in an increasingly fragmented viewing market. TF1 currently reaches 58 million monthly viewers via its broadcast channels and serves 35 million users on its TF1+ streaming service.
Belmer emphasised that the partnership would allow TF1’s “premium content to reach unparalleled audiences and unlock new reach for advertisers within an ecosystem that perfectly complements our TF1+ platform.” While TF1+ remains central to its strategy, the Netflix integration is seen as “truly complementary,” with internal analyses predicting a “significantly net positive” business effect.
Peters and Belmer flew into the picturesque French Riviera town of Cannes to make the announcement.
The financial terms remain undisclosed, but industry observers suggest it could serve as a global blueprint for similar arrangements as Netflix seeks to deepen its power over traditional broadcasters. This development comes at a pivotal time for Netflix, which in April 2025 saw co-chief executive Ted Sarandos announce an ambitious target of reaching a $1 trillion market capitalisation.
However, the company has also faced recent headwinds, including subscriber backlash following price increases in several countries and a slowdown in growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrating content from popular free-to-air broadcasters like TF1 could provide a fresh impetus for subscriber acquisition and retention.
The partnership is not entirely new territory for TF1 and Netflix, who have previously collaborated on successful co-productions such as Les Combattantes, L’Agence, and Tout le bleu du ciel. This deepening of ties underscores a growing trend of convergence between traditional media and streaming giants, as both adapt to evolving consumer habits that increasingly favour on-demand consumption. The ability to watch a diverse range of content, from scripted dramas to live sports, all within a single interface, marks a significant evolution in the streaming warS.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
