• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, Yesterday

Are you worried or excited about streaming bundling? A more mature market means greater collaboration between platforms, according to media executives.

But think deeper, especially with regard to a recent Netflix deal it made with over-the-air French broadcaster TF1. Netflix struck what many defined as a U.S.-like "carriage" deal that allows the streamer to deliver "live" broadcasts of much of the TFI content, as well as on-demand content.

Some believe this expands Netflix’s purview in a different category -- like that of a cable or satellite-delivered pay TV company. Think Comcast, Charter, or DirecTV.

Why? Streaming competition is sinking all kinds of over-the-air/linear TV networks and platforms. 

Essentially, TF1 -- and possibly others to come -- have little choice but to make distribution, production, perhaps marketing deals with ever stronger streaming competitors.

Is this something that could make its way into other markets --like the U.S.? Netflix is especially clear on what this deal is about.

“We will provide French consumers with even more reasons to come to Netflix every day [emphasis added] and to stay with us for all their entertainment,” said Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix.

For a while now Netflix has been experimenting with live airings on its streaming service -- especially sports -- with NFL Christmas Day games, the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson November 2024 boxing match, golf and Formula 1 events. It is doing more.

Think of Netflix’s future -- say, five years from now. Imagine a number of declining cable TV network groups believing their financial situation is trending in such a dire direction that they reach out to Netflix to make a deal to carry that live, linear cable TV network programming under its streaming banner.

Analysts says the TFI puts Netflix into the business of “aggregation.” One executive, speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, was more blunt: “Free-to-air broadcasters have got no choice but to either collaborate with each other as a final resort or partner with a streamer.”

And if you go the partner route, you might as well go with the strongest platform in the marketplace.