French TV Sales Drop 21.6% in 2025, Hitting Decade Low
The CNC and Unifrance report a sharp decline in international sales of French audiovisual programs, falling to €164.3 million. This contrasts with 2024's growth, and the drop is attributed to economic challenges and budget cuts. Scripted drama remains the top export, while animation suffers a major decline.
The 2025 figures represent a stark reversal from the prior year's performance, where exports reached their second-highest level in three decades. The new total of €164.3 million marks the sector's weakest annual result since roughly 2015, with the decline officially unveiled at the industry's annual gathering in Le Havre.
The downturn is linked to shrinking advertising revenues and reduced spending by broadcasters, alongside a broader climate of economic instability. While live-action scripted series continue to drive foreign revenue, the animation sector experienced a particularly steep fall, reflecting intense competition in an already crowded global marketplace.
The decline may squeeze independent French producers, potentially leading to fewer greenlit projects and reduced employment for local crews. International audiences could see a narrower selection of French series and films, as buyers become more cautious with spending. This downturn might also weaken France's cultural footprint abroad, allowing other markets to fill the gap in global streaming catalogs, though scripted drama's resilience offers a partial buffer.