Canal+ rejigs channels around ‘galaxy’ plan

Canal+ has revamped its programming offering with the launch of a ‘Canal+ galaxy’ centred on four channels, all using the core Canal+ brand as the key to their identity.

The Canal+ pay TV channel remains at the centre of the offering, focusing on premium exclusive content that can drive subscriptions. The broadcaster has promised 150 hours of exclusive content for the autumn, supplemented by sport, movies, culture and entertainment programmes.

Canal+ has also promised that the channel will broadcast at least two hours of content unencrypted each day. However, the broadcaster’s free TV offering will from the autumn be focused on three free-to-view channels – Canal 8, Canalstar and Canalnews.

Canal 8 – formerly D8 – will be positioned as mainstream generalist channel appealing to a wide public. Canalstar is the group’s music channel, while Canalnews is the group’s new brand for its news channel, iTele.

Drama shows for the main Canal+ offering to be aired for the new season include The Young Pope (pictured) with Jude Law, Jour Polaire and Guyane and new seasons of Braquo, L’Engrenages, Versailles, Baron Noir and Bureau des Legendes.

Content on Canal 8 includes gameshow Guess My Age, which debuts July 11, and is produced by Vivendi Entertainment, Tooco and Flab, Still Standing and Big Buzz Quiz.