Netflix signs deal to host live TV channels in France

Everything old is new again. Netflix just inked a deal to air live television broadcasts in France, turning the streaming giant into, well, regular TV. The platform will host five traditional broadcast channels from French TV behemoth TF1. Subscribers in the region will have access to live programming and on-demand content.

The partnership officially begins next summer. The channels underneath TF1's umbrella air everything from reality shows like The Voice to live sports, including the French national football team’s matches.

The deal brings a whole lot of content to Netflix, as TF1 has a massive back catalog. This includes popular local dramas like Brocéliande and reality shows like Koh-Lanta. Greg Peters, co-chief executive of Netflix, told Financial Times that TF1 is a “producer of great, premium content." This move could help the platform with customer retention in the region.

TF1 gets access to a large pool ...