Molotov Seals Deals With 80+ French Networks

Molotov, a French service for distribution of television programs and channels, has signed deals with major public and private broadcasters in France, except Canal+, BroadbandTVNews reported. Customers will now be able to access content from all the top French networks.

The deals have been signed with TF1, public broadcaster France Télévisions, M6, Arte, Nextradio TV (BFM), Groupe AB and many others. 

The full public launch of the new streaming service in France is expected in the fall, following a Beta testing period during the summer, on an invitation only discovery preview, the press release said. Users will not only be able to stream live TV channels on PCs, tablet and other devices, but also watch previously aired episodes, share show excerpts with friends on social networking sites, and record content to watch later.

No charge will be made for users who only want to view to French free-to-air channels, but a subscription is required for viewing the encrypted premium channels.

Molotov was created by JeanDavid Blanc, founder of AlloCiné, France’s first cinema and entertainment information service, together with Pierre Lescure, founder of Canal+, the French premium television channel.

While Molotov is all set to provide the best TV experience in France, Apple appears to be still struggling to strike deals with TV networks regarding their new TV streaming service in the U.S. According to latest reports, Les Mooves, CBS CEO, told Bloomberg that the Apple TV streaming service is “in the works” and that the Cupertino company is negotiating the service with content providers and added that CBS has had discussions with Apple about the service.

Techcrunch provides the full list of partners:

Partners: TF1, France Télévisions, M6, Arte, Nextradio TV, Lagardère Active, La Chaine Parlementaire, Public Sénat, Groupe AB, Disney Channel, Turner, Viacom, Euronews, France 24, TV5 Monde, TRACE, Gong média, Nolife, Nautical Channel, Les Chaines Interactives, Fashion TV and Luxe TV.

Channels: TF1, France 2, France 3, France 5, M6, Arte, W9, TMC, NT1, LCP AN, France 4, BFM TV, Gulli, France ô, HD1, 6Ter, RMC Découverte, Paris Première, Téva, TV Breizh, RTL9, TV5 Monde, AB1, Game One, No Life, L’énorme TV, Action, TCM, Paramount Channel, Girondins TV, AB Moteur, Golf Channel, Nautical Channel, Trace Sport, Ushuaia TV, Animaux, Trek, Chasse & Pêche, Histoire, Toute l’histoire, Sciences & Vie TV, Disney Channel, Disney Channel +1, Boomerang, Boing, Mangas, Gong , Gong Max, M6 Music, Mezzo, Mezzo Live HD, Culture Box, Trace Urban, Trace Tropical, Clubbing TV, LCI, BFM Business TV, France 24, Euronews, CNN, LCP 24/24, Public Sénat, Campagnes TV, Fashion TV, Luxe TV, Lucky Jack and M6 Boutiques.