TF1 explores potential sale of Studio TF1 as broadcaster sharpens streaming focus
- The French broadcaster is reportedly considering the disposal of its production and distribution subsidiary as it continues to prioritise streaming under CEO Rodolphe Belmer
French broadcaster TF1 is reportedly exploring the sale of its production and distribution subsidiary Studio TF1, according to an exclusive report by Reuters, as the company continues to refocus its long-term strategy around streaming and digital distribution. The process is said to be at an early stage, with investment bank Rothschild appointed to oversee the potential transaction. According to the report, the transaction could value Studio TF1 at around €400 million. Contacted by the news agency, TF1 declined to comment on market speculation, while Rothschild did not respond to requests for comment.
The potential disposal would represent a significant strategic move for the French media group, which only completed the rebranding of Newen Studios into Studio TF1 earlier this year. Acquired by TF1 in 2015, the company has grown into one of France's largest independent production and distribution groups, bringing together more than 50 production companies and labels across 12 territories, with activities spanning fiction, documentaries, animation, feature films and entertainment programming throughout Europe, North America and beyond.
The reported move comes as TF1 accelerates its transformation towards streaming under the leadership of CEO Rodolphe Belmer, a former Netflix board member who has prioritised investment in the broadcaster's advertising-supported streaming platform TF1+. The strategy has also seen TF1 enter a landmark distribution agreement with Netflix, making its live channels and on-demand catalogue available on the global platform in France.
Reuters noted that the potential sale follows a broader trend among European broadcasters, with media groups increasingly separating their production businesses from their broadcasting and streaming operations. The agency also reported that a disposal could provide TF1 with additional financial flexibility for future strategic acquisitions, including a possible renewed bid for rival broadcaster M6 should such an opportunity arise.
The broadcaster has been operating in a challenging market environment. During the first half of 2026, TF1 reported a decline in advertising revenue, by 8.7% year on year to €714 million, amid continued weakness in the linear television market and broader uncertainty affecting advertisers. At the same time, Studio TF1 posted an operating loss, which the company attributed to the timing of major programme deliveries scheduled for the second half of the year.
Although historically focused on television production, Studio TF1 has recently expanded its ambitions in the theatrical sector. Under CEO Pierre Branco, the company launched its own theatrical distribution operations at the beginning of 2026, and has pledged to increase its feature-film output to between ten and 15 productions annually by 2027. Its recent cinema slate includes Reem Kherici's Good Vibes Only, while upcoming releases include László Nemes' Cannes-premiered Moulin, starring Gilles Lellouche.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
