D8 to challenge TF1/M6 on TV series, feature films and sport
Pascale Paoli-Lebailly | 22-09-2012
The new DTT D8 channel, formerly called Direct 8, is repositioning
its editorial line now that it belongs to Canal+ Group. Its ambition is
no longer to rival new DTT channels such as W9 and TCM but to
challenge bigger players such as TF1 and M6.
Launching on 7 October, the channel will offer a line-up mixing
original French TV series, created by pay-TV Canal+, such as Braquo,
Spiral or Pigalle, la nuit, with US series such as Camelot, Borgia and
western Hells on Wheels, along with Euro productions like Call The
Midwife (BBC).
The first feature films to be broadcast are Oscar winners Million Dollar Baby, American Beauty and The Pianist.
The channel budget will triple between now and 2015 to reach €120m
annually. DTT channels pour around €40m into programming each year.