to download the 2012 registration document. - Groupe M6

RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT4.6. Major operating risksFor the Group’s channels, the interruption of the broadcast of their programmes constitutes a major risk.In order to protect itself from the occurrence of such a risk, the Group has taken a number of steps toensure continuous broadcasting of the programmes of the Group’s channels. These steps relate notablyto securing the electricity supply to the units, the modernisation of the broadcasting installations and theselection of recognised and reliable suppliers for services to broadcast the signals.4.6.1. Broadcasting and transmission signal risksThe Group’s methods of broadcasting are varied:• Since the switchoff of the analogue signal on 29 November 2011, M6 is broadcast free on the DTTnetwork in digital mode only (Digital Terrestrial Television), in standard definition (SD) or high definition(HD); the M6 signal is also included in most packages of channels offered by the satellite, cable andbroadband broadcast platforms.• W9 is broadcast free in digital mode on the DTT network in standard definition only. The W9 signal isalso included by the non free-to-air broadcast platforms (cable, satellite, broadband), either in standarddefinition (SD) or high definition (HD).• 6ter is broadcast free in digital mode in high definition (HD) on the DTT network. Le 6ter signal is alsoincluded by the non free-to-air broadcast platforms (cable, satellite, broadband), either in high definition(HD) of standard definition (SD).• Other Group channels are pay channels offered by the various non free-to-air platforms. Paris Premièreand TF6 are nevertheless included in DTT pay-TV packages in standard definition.Concerning the broadcast of free-to-air digital (DTT), Data compression in digital mode enables thebroadcast of several DTT channels on the same frequency. As a result, the broadcast in DTT is shared bya group of three to seven associated channels in common companies, called Multiplex or MUX, whosecomposition is decided by the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA).Thus, M6, W9 and Paris Première are associated with NT1 and Arte (for its HD signal) in the R4 Multiplexwhose corporate name is Multi 4. 6ter is associated with the R8 Multiplex, along with RMC Découverte etNuméro 23. TF6 is associated with the R6 Multiplex (SMR 6), which notably includes TF1.In accordance with the law, the networks that have been rolled out by Multi 4 and SMR 6, supported by1,626 broadcasting sites, provide nationwide coverage of 95% of the population of Metropolitan France,with a minimum of 91% per district.HD broadcast was launched on 30 October 2008. M6 is associated with TF1 and France 2 on theMultiplex R5 (MR 5), whose network is under construction, three years later than the first DTT networks.1,231 sites are already operational. HD network coverage will continue to expand gradually in order toreach 1,626 sites in 2015.The network deployed by R8 was launched on 12 December 2012 with an initial coverage of 25% ofMainland France. This network will extend gradually to achieve coverage identical to other networks(1,626 sites) in June 2015.• TDF for Multi 4 and MR 5 operate the top of the network, which consists of compressing andmultiplexing the signals. TF1 and M6 provide this service in the case of SMR 6 and SMR 8,respectively.• Multi 4 and SMR 6 use the company Globecast to ensure the upload to the Eutelsat 5 West A satellitethat transmits the signal to a large number of transmitters. A terrestrial link operated by TDF is used forthe multiplex signal of associated channels in MR5 to transmit from Paris to the regional transmissionsites. Lastly, R8 appointed the companies Arqiva and TDF to ensure the upload to the Eutelsat 5 WestA satellite.128 - M6 GROUP - 2012 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT