Netflix Tests Linear Web Channel in France
Netflix has chosen France to test its first channel offering. Named Direct, the linear channel — which is only available to subscribers — will air French, international and U.S. feature films and TV series that are available on the streaming service. However, the channel will only be accessible via the service’s web browser, unlike its streaming service, which is found on set-top boxes thanks to distribution deals with French telco groups such as Orange, Canal Plus and SFR. The initiative marks Netflix’s first foray into real-time, scheduled programming. The service previously tested the option Shuffle Play, which wasn’t in real time but featured recommended programming to a sample of international users, explained a source at Netflix. The difference this time around is that the test is being localized in one country, rather than a sample of users. On its website, Netflix said it chose France to test its first linear channel due to the “consumption of traditional TV [in France].” “In France, watching traditional TV remains hugely popular with people who just want a ‘lean back’ experience where they don’t have to choose shows,” said Netflix. “We’re trying a new feature for our members in France – called ‘Direct.’ Maybe you’re not in the mood to decide, or you’re new and finding your way around, or you just want to be surprised by something new and different, said Netflix. During lockdown, Netflix subscriptions skyrocketed around the world. The service may be testing the channel to see if it allows it to retain subscribers who may feel fatigued after having binge-watched the titles that were recommended to them through the algorithm. This new linear feature may also appeal to older demographics that make up a significant portion of households in France. The test channel had a soft launch on Nov. 5 and will be more broadly available in France early December, said Netflix. A key European market for the streaming giant, the SVOD is believed to have around 9 million subscribers in France. The streaming company opened an office in France in January and vowed to increase its investment in French content. Some of its highest-rated French originals include “Family Business” and “Plan Coeur” (The Hook Up Plan). The company’s original film roster also includes Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s next movie, “Big Bug,” which started shooting last month. 14 COMMENTS Want to read more articles like this one? 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That’s why they’re gravitating to platforms like Facebook Watch Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * LEAVE A REPLY NAME * EMAIL * WEBSITE Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications. COUVAL DidierNovember 9, 2020 at 3:41 am And you forget another french hit programm called “10 pour cent” (“10 per cent”), with a last issue with a amazing Sigourney Weaver in her’s actress role! REPLY MiaWNovember 9, 2020 at 4:41 am fyi the series name for english audiences is ‘call my agent’ loved it! REPLY nerdrageNovember 7, 2020 at 11:53 am Weird. Some people just don’t want the burden of choice I guess. The more paranoid explanation is to note this is happening in France, where Netflix has been getting a lot of heat from government regulators who can’t stand the idea that Netflix is giving people the power to watch whatever they like – Hollywood movie, Korean zombie series, telenovela from Columbia, etc. This feature could easily be set not to be random at all, but to serve up a roster of content that the French government wants to promote. Netflix is facing problems with governments all over the place for the same reason. They can’t stand their people having the rights to just watch what they want instead of their own national content. This may be Netflix’s way of deflecting regulations by throwing these governments a sop in a way that isn’t obvious to their subscribers. And if subscribers don’t want to choose, then they shouldn’t mind not being able to choose. REPLY VivzNovember 10, 2020 at 5:16 am I haven’t found a single mention of French government regulating on Netlix content when searching by myself. Where did you get that idea ? REPLY Mᴥāz KalīmNovember 7, 2020 at 4:08 pm Some people don’t want the burden of choice I guess. Yikes! Are you seething your teeth with rage, very homely “nerd”? And even efficient invocation of slanted-phraseology, in order to sound alarmist: Otherwise, no sane reason to call domestic/homegrown content as almost like a dreaded state-propaganda initiative.( 🎼Done-dun-Done…!🎼). First of all, “the French” are wrong about a lotta of things — their double-standards and hypocrisy is virtually bottomless.( Not that I personally view it as a bad-thing.) And you’ve to look no further than challenge yourself at the other, off-topic renewed socio-political crisis going over there to understand differently. However.. Merely course-correcting after having swayed by literally years and years of press propaganda in promoting cord-cutting and Capitalism-loving masses getting aptly kicked in their guts and rears — maybe NETFLIX® does realise that unlike the purveyors of brands Freedom® & Democracy®, it can’t sustain itself for long by imposing “one size fits all” on everybody across wherever Uncle Sam allows them to conduct business. Particularly those who’re not as kooky as those Capitalist-bootlickers. And puh-lease.. Alright: You seem to be talking straight out of your rectum! NETFLIX® isn’t some Eve’s Garden, capisce? It’s not an utopia where you could get exactly whatever you desire, whenever you desire: So your yet-another slanted-phraseology does nothing but shows how personally you’re taking it. REPLY nerdrageNovember 9, 2020 at 1:41 pm Seek medical help. You appear to be having a stroke. REPLY lms for schoolsNovember 7, 2020 at 1:06 am In this world where time is money we sure waste a lot of time in schools instead of making an impact on the young generation who will change the world. Why waste in managing mundane activities which the Technology handle easily, That’s where we come in a service targeted for schools to enable cloud-based management system and communication between the school and parents will turn out to be the best learning management system for schools REPLY Get going, mods!November 7, 2020 at 3:51 pm #SPAM REPLY Gremlin ManNovember 6, 2020 at 11:40 am Terrible idea. REPLY Mᴥāz KalīmNovember 7, 2020 at 3:53 pm #YourOpinion? REPLY Mason PeltNovember 6, 2020 at 10:59 am Everything old is new, with enough time. Or something like that. REPLY Mᴥāz KalīmNovember 7, 2020 at 3:41 pm You’re saying as if it’s a bad thing. REPLY FlashbackNovember 6, 2020 at 3:35 am What the fork, Netflix? What stupidity is this? 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