Molotov accuses TF1 and M6 of favoring their new baby Salto, to the detriment of a partnership with France Télévision.
Between attacks and counter-attacks, the conflict continues between Molotov and the duo TF1-M6. Internet TV service files complaint against both channels “For abuse of a dominant position” and “agreement” before the Competition Authority, reveals La Lettre A.
The startup, claiming more than 10 million users, accuses TF1 and M6 of favoring their new Salto video-on-demand service, the test launch of which is scheduled for next June, at its expense. Molotov thus requests that protective measures be taken as soon as possible. The competition police are expected to issue their verdict in the coming weeks, but have already given Salto the green light under conditions. For their part, the two private channels believe that the two services are not competitors, that of France Television, TF1 and M6 being paid, while Molotov is essentially free.
Molotov resists
This attack on the OTT platform marks a new chapter in the war that began almost two years ago with the two groups over the distribution of their own channels. If TF1 and M6 managed to find common ground with the distributors (Free, Orange etc) and this following a long standoff, Molotov continues to resist. Even if the platform claims more and more users, it refuses to pay the sums requested for the distribution of TF1 and M6.
The two channels have therefore decided not to renew their contract with Molotov. Despite everything, the startup decided last year to continue broadcasting TF1 despite the group’s decision to withdraw its channels. The Bouygues subsidiary subsequently attacked him for counterfeiting, with a claim for compensation of nearly 8 million euros. And Molotov has sued TF1 in court to maintain the commercial contract before withdrawing.
The conflict between Molotov and M6
In April 2018, on the sidelines of the signing of an operator distribution agreement with M6, attention turned to Molotov. The CEO of the M6 group, Nicolas de Tavernost then asked the Internet TV service for remuneration for its free channels, namely M6, W9 and 6Ter. Shortly after, the chain continued its offensive by demanding that its three channels be removed from Molotov’s free offer and in the future only be accessible through paid offers from Molotov.
This is out of the question for the Internet television platform, whose Freemium model could therefore be jeopardized. Molotov first opposed it, before alerting the CSA, the Competition Authority and the DGCCRF alleging a distortion of competition, and this before bringing M6 to justice for practice restrictive of competition.
In February 2019, the Paris Commercial Court finally ruled in favor of Molotov by ordering M6 to pay 150,000 euros to the start-up and 100,000 euros for moral damages. The court also ruled that the group had no right to impose such restrictions, finding that the clause was discriminatory and a source of imbalance. M6 has appealed the decision. In the meantime, the channel is still accessible on the platform in its free offer.
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