Netflix is an American firm, founded by Reed Hastings in 1997. Since 2009, it has offered SVOD (Subscription video on demand). Unlike VOD (video on demand) through which you can buy a film or an episode of a series, with SVOD, after paying your subscription, you can watch an unlimited number of films and series.

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When it was launched in France in September 2014, Netflix received huge media coverage, resulting in 100 000 members so far in all, although this figure must be taken in context, since the firm offers the first month’s subscription free of charge.  
Established in 40 countries with more than 40 million members, Netflix is a media giant and its launch had been painstakingly prepared: the first rumours go back to 2011, and suggested that the launch would be in 2013 or 2014. However, Netflix is arriving in a hostile market. Most large national media groups are worried about the consequences of the launch for the French audio-visual landscape.

Eric LEDELEY, professor at NEOMA BS and head of the Department of People and Organisations, gives us his insights into the conditions and the implications of the launch of Netflix in France.