French online catch-up services see rapid growth

Online catch-up TV is developing rapidly in France, according to a study by research group NPA.

The proportion of programmes offered by the main broadcasters for catch-up viewing grew from 53% in March to 59% in September, according to the study. Commercial channel M6 leads the way, offering 80% of its programmes on-demand, followed by Canal Plus Clair (72%), France 5 (64%) and France 3 (63%). TF1, which launched its new website in the spring, trails some way behind despite an early lead with 42% of its shows being offered in this way.

The number of shows consumed online grew by 80% between April 2008 and April 2009, according to NPA. Digital-only channels are beginning to offer their own services, with TMC announcing this week that it would launch a catch-up service on its website.