Channels join Canal+ founder’s OTT service

Molotov, the upcoming French OTT service being launched by former Canal+ boss Pierre Lescure, has secured distribution deals with a raft of free and pay TV channels ahead of launch.

In June Canal+ cofounder Lescure and and Jean-David Blanc, the founder of AlloCiné, said they were launching Molotov, a new OTT service that will carry channels in an OTT environment.

OTT distribution deals have now been sealed with the major free TV channels in France: TF1, France Télévisions and M6. There are also agreements with Arte and the Lagardère and Groupe AB channelgroups.

Disney, Turner and Viacom are among the international channel operators that have agreed OTT carriage deals.

Molotov said this morning it has secured over 80 channels in all, with others in the line-up including offerings from Trace, Euronews, France 24, TV5 Monde and Fashion TV. The Orange premium movie service OCS will also feature.

The company said it will launch in mid-November, after its initial version has been previewed by French communications regulator the CSA.

Pierre Lescure said: “Molotov is a new service that is respectful of the creative ecosystem and right-holders. The experience, modernity and accessibility of Molotov will reinforce the attractiveness of TV content.”

Jean-David Blanc added: “The Internet has a lot to bring to the television industry. We are delighted by the trust that broadcasters have placed in us by welcoming and joining our project.”

Molotov is run by Lescurre and Blanc alongside other French TV stalwarts including former TF1exec Jean-Marc Denoual and AlloCiné’s Kevin Kuipers.