Logos of French television networks TF1 and LCI are seen at the Boulogne-Billancourt headquarters, near Paris, France, April 18, 2016. REUTERS/Charles PlatiauMILAN, Sept 19 (Reuters Breakingviews) - A French attempt to join forces against video streaming giant Netflix (NFLX.O) has fallen flat. “Top Chef” channel M6 (MMTP.PA), controlled by Germany’s RTL (AUDK.LU), and Bouygues-backed (BOUY.PA) rival TF1 (TFFP.PA) announced in May 2021 they were planning a merger. With 3.4 billion euros of combined revenue, the tie-up was meant to create a French TV leader. The failed merger is a bad signal for European broadcasters.

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