Orange to end exclusivity of channels

Orange CEO Stephane Richard has confirmed that the group will seek to strike distribution deals with other ISPs for its movie channels. The news follows the announcement of a deal with pay TV rival Canal Plus whereby the latter will take a minority stake in Orange’s channels.

Richard confirmed in magazine Le Revenu that Canal Plus would help it to broaden the distribution of its channels with other ISPs and that it would end its policy of exclusivity. Orange Sport will not be affected by the deal with Canal Plus, although the channel will no longer air Ligue 1 football matches following its parent company’s decision to pull out of bidding for the next round of rights.