France is introducing a new channel numbering system for its digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform starting in June. The French communications regulator, Arcom, explains that these changes are necessary due to the launch of new channels, CMI TV and OFTV, and the departure of Canal+ from the DTT platform.
Arcom prioritized minimizing viewer disruption during the transition. News channels now have their own block, maintaining the relative order of channels. BFMTV, CNEWS, LCI, and Franceinfo have been assigned the logical numbers 13, 14, 15, and 16 respectively. This grouping necessitated moving France 4 to channel 4, creating a logical sequence with France 2, France 3, and France 5.
Channels La Chaîne parlementaire will occupy channels 8 and 12, becoming vacant on February 28, 2025, placing it next to Arte. Gulli, a channel for young viewers, is now on channel 12, following TFX, another youth-oriented channel, to enhance its visibility within that demographic.
Channels 18 and 19, previously vacant, were allocated to CMI TV (channel 18) and OFTV (channel 19) via a lottery system. The remaining DTT channel numbers remain unchanged.