Television in France

Pay channels were progressively added until 2006: TPS Star, Paris Première, Canal+ Sport, Canal+ Cinéma, AB1, Planète, TF6, Canal J, LCI and Eurosport.

Overseas departments and territories (such as French Guiana and Martinique) also terminated all analog broadcasts on the same day.

By the end of 2009, analog TV was shut off in the Nord Cotentin, and TDF reported no major reception problems.

Citizens in DTT test zones were informed that analog TV would shut down by early 2009, and consequently they adapted their installation.

For three months before shutting down an analogue transmitter, it transmitted the DTT multiplexes so that viewers could adapt their installation on time.

Also, a message was displayed as marquee on analog channels warning the viewer that they would no longer receive TV if they did not switch to digital.

To help people installing their DTT reception equipment, the French government created "France Télé Numérique".

It made didactic videos, television advertisements, and went through the local markets, to meet people and solve their problems regarding DTT reception.

Elderly people and those with restricted financial conditions, received help from the French government; so that they could switch to DTT easily.

On 12 December 2012, six new HD national channels were launched (HD1, L'Équipe 21, 6ter, Numéro 23, RMC Découverte and Chérie 25).

On 1 February 2021, France Télévisions launched Culturebox [fr] on channel 19, to promote cultural events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the channels are encrypted but there is no subscription charge, and both the set-top box and viewing card (valid for four years) that are required are available from hypermarkets.

Four companies dominate the French TV market : Yearly viewing shares in 2022 (not including subscription channels):[1] LCP-Public Sénat is uncounted because it is not destined to be profitable.