TVMonaco

TVMonaco is Monaco's state-owned television channel and one of the principality's principal contemporary media projects. It was conceived as a national public-service broadcaster after Monaco's media presence had weakened through the relocation of RMC to Paris in 2002 and the acquisition of TMC by the TF1 Group in 2016. The project was initially developed under the name Monte-Carlo Riviera TV, with a launch originally expected in 2022. The launch was subsequently postponed, and the broadcaster was renamed TVMonaco in March 2023. The channel began broadcasting on 1 September 2023. Its opening transmission was attended by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, underlining the institution's close relationship with Monaco's public authorities and national identity. TVMonaco's remit is to promote Monaco and the wider Riviera through a mixture of current affairs, live news, sport, documentaries, talk formats, lifestyle programmes and cultural content. Its editorial themes are commonly described through four pillars: the environment, current affairs, sport and lifestyle. The broadcaster also seeks to present Monaco as an international, environmentally conscious and culturally distinctive territory rather than merely as a luxury or tourism destination. TVMonaco operates across linear television and digital platforms. In Monaco, it is distributed through the cable network, Monaco Telecom services and digital terrestrial television. It is also available through French television and internet-distribution platforms, including Canal-related services, Freebox, Orange, SFR and Molotov, and reaches other French-speaking markets through distribution arrangements and satellite. Its website provides a live stream. Through its relationship with TV5Monde, TVMonaco content can receive international exposure across a large number of countries, giving the broadcaster an outlet beyond its small domestic market. The channel was built with assistance from established public broadcasters. RTBF contributed technical support, RTS assisted with governance, and Radio-Canada and TV5Monde provided content-related support. TVMonaco joined TV5Monde in December 2021 during the development phase and is expected to produce a substantial number of programmes for the network. In March 2024, it joined the European Broadcasting Union independently after initially being represented through Monaco Media Diffusion. That membership gives Monaco direct access to EBU events and creates a possible institutional route for a future return to the Eurovision Song Contest, although membership does not itself guarantee such participation. At launch, the service relied substantially on acquired and partner-supplied programming while planning to increase its original output and add scripted content. Its own productions have included documentaries about the Mediterranean, wildlife, environmental change, Monaco's heritage, food, sport and local personalities, alongside concerts, interviews, podcasts and entertainment. Sports coverage has included basketball involving AS Monaco Basket, while news and debate formats provide a regular domestic-information service. The channel has also experimented with distinctive digital presentation, including a virtual seagull mascot for weather reports and versions adapted for social media. TVMonaco is funded partly by the Monegasque state and partly through advertising and the sale or distribution of programmes it produces. Reference material describes a launch cost of approximately €13.5 million and an annual budget of approximately €15 million. The broadcaster operates from Fontvieille and was described as employing 48 people, including 30 journalists, in the cited reference material. Nathalie Biancolli is identified as director-general, with Marie-Pierre Gramaglia as chair of the board of directors. The project has also attracted criticism. A media-executives' union questioned whether the channel could be sufficiently independent from the prince and the Monegasque state, referring to concerns about a possible 'prince's channel' and the composition of its editorial staff. In March 2025, sports commentator Laurent Sciarra was suspended after expressing support for OGC Nice during a EuroLeague broadcast involving Monaco-related sports coverage; management characterized the remarks as unacceptable and inappropriate. Separately, the government announced in December 2024 that TVMonaco could be merged with Monaco Info, another government-owned Monegasque channel. The proposed timetable was later reported as delayed to 2026 or later, leaving TVMonaco's ultimate institutional structure unresolved in the supplied material.

The concept of a national Monegasque public television service developed in 2021. The initiative responded to concerns about Monaco's reduced control over internationally visible media assets. RMC had moved its operations to Paris in 2002, while TMC was fully acquired by TF1 Group in June 2016. The proposed channel was initially called Monte-Carlo Riviera TV and was expected to launch in late 2022, but the timetable slipped to the third quarter of 2023. During the development period, the project established links with international public broadcasters. It joined TV5Monde in December 2021, enabling future programming exchange and international distribution. On 23 March 2023, the project received its definitive name, TVMonaco, and a revised launch date. Further operating details were presented in April 2023: the channel would combine live news and sport with recorded programming, initially emphasizing unscripted formats while leaving open the possibility of scripted productions after the first 12 to 18 months. TVMonaco officially launched on 1 September 2023. The opening broadcast was attended by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. RTBF supplied technical assistance, RTS contributed to governance arrangements, and Radio-Canada and TV5Monde supported content development. The service was designed to function both as a linear channel and as a digital platform. Its initial programming model used acquired material alongside locally relevant news, sports and documentary production, with a stated objective of gradually expanding the channel's original identity. The broadcaster's editorial architecture centers on four themes: environment, current affairs, sport and lifestyle. Environmental and wildlife coverage is particularly prominent, reflecting Monaco's international positioning around marine conservation and sustainability. Original productions have covered Mediterranean ecosystems, regional history, local heritage, food, cycling, motor cars, celebrity interviews, music and social subjects. The channel also produces content for TV5Monde, extending Monaco-related stories to international French-speaking audiences. After launch, TVMonaco became a member of Monaco Media Diffusion, the organization representing Monaco in the European Broadcasting Union. In March 2024 it joined the EBU independently. This created the possibility of direct access to EBU events and a potential institutional basis for Monaco to return to the Eurovision Song Contest, though no return is established by the supplied material. Distribution expanded beyond Monaco through cable, Monaco Telecom, terrestrial transmission from the Mont Agel transmitter, French internet and television platforms, satellite services and the broadcaster's own online stream. In Monaco, the service is carried on the universal cable service and Monaco Telecom, while reception also extends into parts of southeastern France. French-speaking European markets can receive the channel through Canal-related services and other platforms. The broadcaster has faced questions about editorial independence because it is state-owned and closely associated with Monaco's ruling institutions. The General Confederation of Media executives criticized what it viewed as the risk of a 'prince's channel', citing the relationship with Prince Albert II and the makeup of the editorial organization. In March 2025, commentator Laurent Sciarra was suspended following partisan remarks supporting OGC Nice during a EuroLeague broadcast. The incident highlighted the sensitivity of sports neutrality for a channel operating in a region with strong club rivalries. In December 2024, Monaco's government announced a proposed merger between TVMonaco and Monaco Info. The stated objective was to reduce costs and consolidate the principality's publicly owned television operations. The proposed completion date was later reported as delayed to 2026 or later, and the supplied material does not establish that the merger had been completed. TVMonaco therefore remains an active broadcaster in the available record, although its long-term institutional form is subject to government decisions.

• 2024

  Independent EBU membership

  [1]TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org

  TVMonaco joins the European Broadcasting Union independently after initially being represented through Monaco Media Diffusion.

• 2024

  Government proposes merger with Monaco Info

  [1]TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org

  The government announces a plan to merge TVMonaco with Monaco Info, subject to later implementation.

• 2023

  Name TVMonaco and launch date announced

  [1]TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org

  The project is renamed TVMonaco and given a revised launch date in announcements made on 23 March.

• 2023

  Official launch

  [1]TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org

  TVMonaco begins broadcasting on 1 September with an opening transmission attended by Monaco's princely couple.

• 2021

  National television project develops

  [1]TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org

  Monaco develops the concept of a national public television channel intended to strengthen the principality's media presence.

• 2021

  Project joins TV5Monde

  [1]TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org

  The developing broadcaster joins TV5Monde during the preparation phase, supporting future international distribution and cooperation.

A public-service, internationally oriented Monegasque broadcaster combining national news and identity-building with Riviera culture, environmental storytelling, sport and lifestyle content.

• Television broadcasting · 2023

  Linear television channel

  TVMonaco's primary service is a linear French-language television channel combining scheduled news, current affairs, sport, documentaries, lifestyle, culture and entertainment. It is distributed in Monaco through cable, Monaco Telecom and terrestrial television, and reaches parts of France and other markets through television platforms and satellite.

• Digital media · 2023

  TVMonaco digital streaming

  The broadcaster extends its television service online through a live stream and digital programming. Its digital offer includes original documentaries, interviews, sports discussions, concerts, podcasts and subtitled imported programmes, with some content reformatted for social platforms.

• Original programming · 2023

  TVMonaco Originals

  The original-content portfolio covers environmental and marine documentaries, Riviera culture, Monaco's history, food, wildlife, cycling, automotive heritage, music and social issues. Examples include L'odyssée salée, Dolce vita riviera, Riviera Food Tour, Monaco Cycling Club, Top marques and 100 ans en rouge et blanc.

• Sports broadcasting · 2025

  Roca Sphere

  Roca Sphere is a sports programme and rights-oriented offering built around broadcasts of AS Monaco Basket men's EuroLeague matches, accompanied by related post-match discussion through L'après-match.

• 2025

  Laurent Sciarra suspension

  TVMonaco suspended EuroLeague commentator Laurent Sciarra after he supported OGC Nice and used the club's supporter chant during a broadcast before a Nice–Monaco derby. Management described the comments as unacceptable and inappropriate.

  Source

• Criticism over editorial independence

  The General Confederation of Media executives criticized the possibility that TVMonaco could function as a state or 'prince's channel'. The criticism focused on the broadcaster's ownership, its proximity to Prince Albert II and concerns about the composition and independence of its editorial staff.

  Source

Read more

• 2023TVMonaco launch campaign

  Monaco · France · French-speaking markets

  The broadcaster promoted its first transmission through social-media announcements and a launch identity built around Monaco's national media role, its four editorial pillars and the slogan 'Regardez, ça n'a rien à voir'.

  Outcome. The channel launched on 1 September 2023 and subsequently expanded its distribution through broadcast, digital and partner platforms.

  Source

• 2024

  Join the EBU independentlyStrategy

  Background

  TVMonaco initially participated in Monaco's broadcasting representation through Monaco Media Diffusion.

  Action taken

  The broadcaster became an independent member of the European Broadcasting Union.

  Aftermath

  The decision gave TVMonaco direct access to EBU events and created a possible route for Monaco's future participation in Eurovision-related activities.

  Source

• 2024

  Proposed merger with Monaco InfoM&A

  Background

  The Monegasque government sought to reduce costs and consolidate publicly owned broadcasting operations.

  Action taken

  The government announced a proposed merger of TVMonaco and Monaco Info, with implementation later reported as postponed to 2026 or later.

  Aftermath

  The supplied material does not confirm completion. The proposed transaction leaves TVMonaco's future structure and TV5Monde relationship subject to further government decisions.

  Source

• 2023

  Adopt a hybrid acquired-and-original programming modelStrategy

  Background

  The new channel needed broad programming from launch while building a distinct Monegasque production capability.

  Action taken

  TVMonaco launched with live news and sports alongside recorded and largely unscripted programming, while planning to add more original and scripted content over time.

  Aftermath

  The broadcaster developed a growing catalogue of documentaries, sports formats, interviews, concerts and other original productions.

  Source

1. 1TVMonacoen.wikipedia.org
2. 2TVMonaco official websitetvmonaco.com