the boss of Canal + ensures he does everything to “preserve the presence” of his star host on the air

The general director of Canal + France, Gérald-Brice Viret, assured Sunday October 20 that he was making “all (his) efforts” to keep it on the air after the announced shutdown of C8. He denies any “divorce” between the host and his group.

Rumors of «divorce» with one of its stars that Canal + is trying to quickly dissipate. While The Parisian states in an article published Saturday evening that Cyril Hanouna is preparing to leave the group led by Vincent Bolloré, with whom he has worked for more than a decade, crisis communication is being activated. The general director of Canal + France, Gérald-Brice Viret, ensures this Sunday, October 20 on his X account that he will do everything to keep the host on the air, despite the shutdown of C8.

“We are making all our efforts to consider alternatives to preserve the presence of Cyril Hanouna on our channels after 12 years of loyalty and friendship with the group”he published. He describes a “unwavering commitment” with the host of “Don’t touch my post” (TPMP). “Discussions are underway to consider its future but nothing has been finalized. They take place very peacefully,” he told AFP. However, it makes no mention of the presence of the host on another channel of the group – such as Canal + or CSTAR, music channel.

These official statements contradict those, on condition of anonymity, of a “frame of the Bolloré galaxy”cited by The Parisian : according to him, the departure of the host “is a taboo subject. The more time passes, the more obvious it seems that they hold him responsible for the closure. of C8. The daily also affirms that TPMP could stop as early as December 20 – its lease, not renewed, expires at the end of February. “It’s dead, divorce is inevitable”launched another source “close to the file”. Another denial from Gérald-Brice Viret: “The show will continue until the last day”he said.

C8 challenges Arcom’s decision

In a decision handed down this summer, the media regulator, Arcom, unveiled its pre-selection for the reallocation of 15 TV frequencies in 2025. C8 like NRJ12 were excluded. “It is also about providing our full support to the 400 employees whose jobs are directly threatened by this decision and for whom this situation is particularly worrying”also argued the boss of Canal + in his message on X.

C8 and NRJ12 appealed to the Council of State to contest Arcom’s decision. Rejected in summary proceedings, their appeal must be studied on the merits by the end of November. For their part, the channels still in the running for the reallocation of frequencies will only obtain their authorization to broadcast after having signed new agreements with the regulator, by the end of the year.