Streamers and Networks Forge Unlikely Alliances to Survive Changing TV Landscape

As of October 2025, the once-contentious relationship between linear broadcasters and streaming platforms has undergone a dramatic transformation. The $1 billion copyright lawsuit brought by Paramount (then Viacom) against YouTube in 2007 is now seen as a relic of a bygone era, as the two sides have forged a series of unprecedented partnerships to adapt to the rapidly evolving TV landscape.

The landmark deal struck between Netflix and French commercial network TF1 earlier this year has set the tone for this new era of collaboration. Beginning in mid-2026, Netflix will carry TF1's linear channels and live sports, a move that was once considered unimaginable. This "new kind of partnership" is part of a broader trend of "diagonal integration," where broadcasters leverage the reach of global streamers to counter the decline in TV advertising, while streamers gain access to valuable local content.

Similar agreements have followed, such as Prime Video's partnership with France Télévisions, which will see the streamer host five of the public broadcaster's key channels and 20,000 hours of content. These deals not only provide streamers with a wealth of local programming, but also help broadcasters expand their digital footprint and reach younger audiences.

Streamers are embracing these partnerships as a means of reducing their reliance on original content production, which has slowed in recent years. By tapping into the expertise and libraries of their linear counterparts, they can bolster their content offerings without the need for massive investments. Broadcasters, on the other hand, see these deals as a way to leverage the global reach of streamers and secure a new revenue stream in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

As the industry continues to evolve, more of these "diagonal integration" deals are expected to emerge, with both sides recognizing the need to adapt and collaborate to ensure their long-term survival.