Focus on the media chronology
Windows war: Netflix and Amazon bring challenges before the Conseil d’État
In April 2025, Amazon Prime Video lodged an application with the Conseil d’État challenging the new media chronology, the framework governing the release windows within which films may be made available after their theatrical run.
Like Netflix a few weeks earlier, Amazon wants this window cut to 12 months, compared with the current 15 months for Netflix and 17 months for Prime Video.
Both platforms are challenging the current regulatory framework, and more specifically the order (arrêté) of 6 February 2025 extending the agreement of the same date on the new media chronology. Neither Amazon nor Netflix, however, had signed that agreement.
Amazon argues that the new chronology no longer reflects the current viewing habits of the French public.
It is worth noting, however, that under this new agreement Disney secured a window reduced to 9 months, in exchange for increased investment in French production.
Sources
Order (arrêté) of 6 February 2025 extending the media chronology agreement of 6 February 2025
Order (arrêté) of 13 February 2025 publishing the media chronology agreement of 6 February 2025
To go further and anticipate developments in the media chronology, our various areas of expertise allow us to support you in the strategic analysis of your regulatory obligations, in securing your agreements and in adapting your exploitation models to the sector’s new requirements.